A Passion for Compassion

By Bob Cox

While we were growing up in the mean streets of suburbia during the peace, love, dope era of the 1960’s, my three older sisters and I looked forward celebrating the 4^th of July while enjoying at least two great shows: lighting off loud and flashy fireworks and then chuckling at Dad as he ducked for cover after each thunderous boom.

Looking back, Dad was a pretty good sport about it all. I suppose he could've gotten really angry with us for our blatant lack of respect and insensitivity for the severe trauma he endured during years of combat in the Pacific during WWII, but more than anything, Dad enjoyed laughing at everything in this crazy and dysfunctional world, especially himself. What a great gift he gave to us, the insight to laugh at ourselves

Unfortunately, not everyone has the same light hearted experience when dealing with a substantial trauma in their lives. How many millions of Americans suffer silently from an unresolved trauma and feel paralyzed when trying to break free from the past? If you’re not in this boat, chances are good you know someone that is. Does it seem like no matter how hard they try to patch up all the leaks, a new one opens up? If that’s the case, they could be victims of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Victims of PTSD are not limited to combat solders like my dad. Literally anyone that’s on the north side of dirt can be hit by a traumatic event and have a difficult time recovering. Just last week, my 21 year old Grandson Zack was stuck while on his motorcycle by a man who ran a red light while driving with a suspended license. For the past 11 days, Zack has been fighting for his life while he tries to regain consciousness from a medically induced coma. He was struck with such force, his helmet flew off and a nurse who happened to be at the scene rolled him on his side, which prevented him from choking to death. The doctors said it would take at least 6 months for Zack to be able to walk again.

I believe that the key to helping others that have suffered a traumatic event that they cannot move past begins with genuine empathy and compassion. Compassion is defined as an emotion that one feels in response to the suffering of others that motivates a desire to help. If you know someone that’s been impacted by a severe trauma and they are not able to laugh it off, resist the temptation to judge them by advising them to just get over it. Take a few precious moments from your life and really listen to them. You never know if your act of compassion may be the catalyst that kick starts the miracles of healing.

If your spirit moves you to do so, any positive thoughts, feelings and prayers for Zack's recovery will greatly appreciated by everyone in our family. Thank you and bless you for being a part of our Go For It family.

Helping Victims of PTSD

By Bob Cox

Was I the only one that used to think that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) only affects combat soldiers? I've just recently learned that PTSD is a condition that impacts people in all walks of life. Severe trauma can literally be experienced by anyone at anytime.

PTSD is a serious and potentially debilitating condition that is characterized by three main types of symptoms: 1. Re-experiencing the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares. 2. Emotional numbness and avoidance of people, places and activities that are reminders of the trauma and 3. Increased arousal, difficulty sleeping, poor concentration and being easily angered.

If you've ever experienced any kind of traumatic event, you may have PTSD. People that work in high stress occupations where trauma is commonplace (police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, E.M.T.’s etc.), are more prone to experiencing PTSD; however, everyone has the potential to being exposed. According to a recent study, the most common traumatic events that caused women to develop PTSD were childhood physical abuse (48.5%), being raped (45.9%), being threatened with a weapon (32.6%), sexual molestation (26.5%), being physically attacked (21.3%) and childhood neglect (19.7%). For men, the traumatic events leading to PTSD were being raped (65.0%), combat (38.8%), childhood neglect (23.9%), childhood physical abuse (22.3%) and being sexually molested (12.2%).

I recently spoke to Janina Guarino, the founder of Better Decisions Counseling Services to learn more about the services they’re providing here in Sacramento to help victims that suffer from PTSD.

Q: What are some of the most common experiences you've had helping victims of PTSD?

A: PTSD affects many people and some aren’t even aware that they have the condition. The most common problems people experience includes anxiety, depression, seeing objects, hearing voices, clostrophobia and a variety of unexplained fears. Oftentimes, they don’t understand why they’re feeling overwhelmed.

Q: Better Decisions Counseling Services is known for helping those with negative addictions. How does helping victims of PTSD fit into your umbrella of services?

A: Whenever we’re assessing someone for an addiction, we use a very detailed questionaire. Oftentimes, the causes of addiction can be traced back to one or more traumatic events. By asking our clients if they've had the symptoms of PTSD, like nightmares or sleeping problems, we’re able to get to the true source of the problem.

Q: So, are you actually uncovering the roots of the trauma that caused the addiction?

A: Yes and domestic violence is a significant contributor to PTSD. We offer co-parenting classes and family counseling that helps the families that don’t have the tools to resolve their differences peacefully.

Q: Does it usually take several counseling sessions before you discover a tragic event that has caused PTSD?

A: Yes. We are building relationships with people so that they can feel safe to discuss issues that they haven’t been able to talk about in the past.

Q: You mentioned that you've had great results helping one client in particular that has suffered for years from PTSD. Can you share that story with us?

A: Yes, one of our client’s was seeking help for anger issues at a local V. A. hospital and was advised not to come back unless he had a security escort. We chose to help him in counseling sessions and worked on his anger issues. He has grown tremendously and he continues to make an effort to create healthier relationships with his friends, his family and his past.

Q: Better Decisions will be hosting The 2nd Annual PTSD Fundraiser to help as many people as possible who suffer from this affliction. What’s do you have planned at this worthwhile event?

A: We want to build awareness of PTSD by offering our services to everyone in need, especially to people that may not be able to afford our services. Last year we helped a lot of people in our community.

Q: What kinds of activities and events do you have planned?

A: We’re doing a chili cook off, a prize giveaway and face painting for kids. We will have several sponsors at the event and they will be offering a variety of valuable products and services. Last year, we gave away a big screen TV and several gift cards!

Editors Notes: The 2^nd Annual PTSD Fundraiser event take place on Saturday, November 15, 2014 from 10 am to 3 pm. at Better Decisions Counseling Services, which is located at 10633 Rockingham Road in Sacramento.