Smell is our oldest sense. One of our earliest functions as simple organisms was to detect helpful or harmful molecules in our environment and then seek them out or avoid them. The brain's olfactory bulb still sits alongside regions processing emotion . As a result—although scientists aren't sure of the exact mechanism—dysfunctions of smell are closely associated with mood disorders.
When Scent Becomes Part of Your Identity
Living with scent over time can lead to a fusion of identity and diagnosis. You may find yourself thinking "I am scent" rather than "I have scent." This identity fusion has significant consequences:
- Reduces motivation (why try if this is just who I am?)
- Increases shame and stigma internalization
- Makes recovery feel like losing part of yourself
- Limits how others see you (and how you see yourself)
Reclaiming a Multidimensional Identity
Your identity is vastly larger than scent. A powerful exercise: complete this sentence 20 times with anything other than your struggles:
"I am someone who ___________"
Values, roles, relationships, interests, history, capabilities — all form your identity.
Scent as One Chapter, Not the Whole Story
Narrative therapy offers a powerful reframe: scent is one story in a much larger life narrative. You are the author, not the character defined by struggle.
Externalizing the problem: Practice talking about "Scent that visits me" rather than "my Scent." This linguistic shift creates psychological distance and agency.
Building Identity Beyond Scent
- Invest in relationships that see your full self, not just your struggles
- Pursue interests unrelated to mental health — art, sport, learning, creativity
- Find meaning — purpose larger than symptom management provides identity anchor
- Contribute to others — giving to others builds positive identity components
- Celebrate growth — document how you've changed, overcome, adapted
The Strengths That Scent Builds
Many people find that navigating scent develops genuine strengths: deep empathy, resilience, self-awareness, creativity, and a hard-won wisdom about what matters in life.