On Thursday, September 19th, our Speak OUT! (formerly LOUD Crowd) weekly online group met for our usual weekly meeting. I often select a topic for reading and discussion and on that class day, the topic was change.
We talked about the conscious or “intentional” changes that we make in our lives every day from the mundane, such as changing our clothes or what we watch on TV, to changing jobs, where we live, or who we marry.
We talked about times in our lives, when even the changes we made consciously, and with our eyes wide open, may have brought unexpected benefits or hardships.
Little did we know on that day what change was ahead for us as Hurricane Helene and then Milton would rock our town and our world. In some areas of Punta Gorda, Fl, the town where I work and live, the damage from flooding was severe, and brought back memories of the devastation to our community from Hurricane Charlie in 2004. My office took on 3ft of water or more, and after several sleepless nights and some crying, I made the difficult decision to NOT re-open, feeling that the emotional and financial toll was more than I wanted to take on at this point in my career. The sudden change has left me feeling a bit off kilter as I try to re-design a plan for myself.
Many people north of us in Sarasota County have been left with damage to businesses and homes, and this includes the Neuro Challenge Foundation, a large community-based organization that serves thousands of people with Parkinson’s in surrounding areas of SW Florida through their care advising and educational programs.
When we talk about the challenges that change brings about in our lives, whether due to a catastrophic weather event like we just experienced or a medical diagnosis,we often also talk about resilience.
Several years ago, I wrote a blog post about resilience in the face of a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
The ongoing changes in functional skills and living with the uncertainty that comes along with PD or any degenerative disease diagnosis can lead to significant adjustment difficulties including symptoms of depression and anxiety and a wavering sense of self. I am guessing not too different than what some people suffer after a natural disaster.
Yet, I see evidence all the time among my patients that many people with a medical diagnosis of Parkinson’s, aphasia from a stroke, or the aftermath of head-neck cancer treatment somehow muster the strength and resilience that is necessary to persevere through the challenges life sometimes presents.
Resilience in the Face of Unexpected Events
Resilience has been described as a dynamic process whereby individuals cope with and exhibit positive behavioral adaptation to stress, challenge, and adversity. Individuals who are resilient have coping strategies which may include the ability to view the obstacles in front of them as challenges to overcome rather than hopeless barriers.
Individuals with health challenges who maintain a positive attitude, optimism, and happiness, and invest energy in controlling the variables over which they have control, and not focusing on or magnifying challenges that are out of their control can lead to longer lives, less disability, and increased quality of life.
We Get by with a Little Help from Our Friends
This October begins the 8th year of the Charlotte County weekly Speak OUT! group (formerly LOUD Crowd). Some members have attended the weekly class faithfully since its inception, and I have witnessed over the years the impact an after-therapy group like this can have in supporting resilience.
The American Psychological Association suggests “10 Ways to Build Resilience,” which include:
(1) maintain good relationships with close family members, friends and others.
(2) avoid seeing crises or stressful events as unbearable problems.
(3) accept circumstances that cannot be changed.
(4) develop realistic goals and move towards them.
(5) take decisive actions in adverse situations.
(6) look for opportunities of self-discovery after a struggle with loss.
(7) develop self-confidence.
(8) keep a long-term perspective and consider the stressful event in a broader context.
(9) maintain a hopeful outlook, expecting good things and visualizing what is wished;
(10) take care of one’s mind and body, exercising regularly, paying attention to one’s own needs and feelings.
And if I might add… sometimes it just helps to have a good cry!
Photo by Roberto Hund: https://www.pexels.com/photo/sign-with-inscription-on-screen-5356214/
The physical office is now closed, however, I continue to provide Telehealth therapy and I am licensed to serve patients in Florida, Ohio, and North Carolina. Swallowing Diagnostics, Inc. continues to provide mobile swallowing exams for my patients and others living at home or in facilities throughout south Florida. And, of course you can still order Voice Aerobics products by visiting the website. https://voiceaerobicsdvd.com/
VOTE
My Mission: To enlist individuals in their treatment, and help them express their personality & spirit through voice. To educate and empower. Mary Spremulli, MA, CCC-SLP Certified End of Life Specialist Training (CEOLS) * FiTOUR® Group Exercise Instructor
Voice Aerobics® A Whole Body Approach to Voice Practice
I guess that’s all we can do, Roger in good times and bad times.
Keep 0n keepin’ on. from Roger
Thank you, Marta. I do feel that I have lost my moorings a bit, but I know this is an abundant universe, and I will find different ways to serve those who can benefit from my skills
Hi Cindy, you will find a list of Speak OUT! therapy providers and Speak OUT! after therapy groups online at the Parkinson Voice Project website. Many Universities now offer classes and there are also virtual groups to join. There is no cost for our group just a commitment to participate.
I have Parkinson’s patients. What’s the cost to them to be part of the group speak out??
Where can I find the group to assist them with it?
Mary your work is so exemplery and I know you will continue to serve those in need. Best of luck always.