Empathy for PTSD and TBI surferers
922389
I picked this movie on a happenstance and I'm glad I did. Being in the Army currently, and having always been a WWII enthusiast, I enjoyed the comparative stories. I also felt it decently conveyed at least a small insight into the issues that sufferers of PTSD and TBI have to deal with and how hard decisions made in hard times can affect a person for life, not just the moment.
2455316
Pete Walker's book, Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving, addresses issues that are not easily identified with a traditional counseling model.  I love the information in the inner critic and help for emotional flashbacks.  It has been infinitely helpful in resolving past emotional conflicts related to childhood trauma.
4909220
Wellspring of Compassion is a refreshingly kind, practical and compassionate guide to the difficult inner landscape of trauma and recovery. Each chapter invites the reader to start from where they are as they identify and work through difficult emotions and memories.

Written for anyone who has suffered trauma in the recent or distant past, the book gives support and  practical guidance to those who are ready to begin their own recovery, or to deepen their recovery by neutralizing old triggers. I was surprised that the book touched on all the areas I've studied over the years, and it answered lingering questions about: a harsh inner critic, anxiety, flashbacks, dissociation, anger, shame, and why boundaries are so difficult for people who have suffered trauma.

The author, Sonia Connolly, is well-acquainted with all the facets of trauma and is trained in Somatic Experiencing, based on Peter Levine's work with trauma. Her topics and suggestions create a thread that ties together the different manifestations of trauma, with insight and information drawn from both personal experience and many experts in the field.

Wellspring of Compassion provides a masterful view of the many facets of  trauma,  while at the same time offering kindness, compassion and warmth. Non-judgmental and non-clinical, Wellspring of Compassion will give you the tools and resources to shift from mere survival to being able to compassionately reconnect with yourself, your body, and your life.

Jenny Davidow
Author, Embracing Your Subconscious
2608408
Very informative and insightful information about the brain and how it can positively respond to stress and trauma. An innovative approach to helping those with long term PTSD and for concerned family and friends who want to be helpful.
1206241
Robert Delaney offers us another important look at a serious topic facing veterans and police officers today: posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  He introduces a number of interesting ideas and discussions regarding PTSD and its treatment, some of which have been introduced only in recent years and a few more which admittedly need further exploration and verification.  The author believes strongly, for example, that while the assistance of mental health professionals is advisable, "peer-to-peer therapy" should be the first line of defense in dealing with PTSD (officers talking to officers, accident victims talking to accident victims, etc).

Some of the programs the author reviews in his book include Operation Proper Exit, which allows soldiers to return to the physical locale of their injury.  Another is a Florida-based doctor who feels that PTSD can be summarized as an issue of "adrenal fatigue" treatable by a number of targeted-amino acid therapies, herbs, minerals and megavitamins as well as exercises.  Another Florida group, Quantum Leap Farm, has gained considerable attention by exposing PTSD victims to horseback riding as a calming technique for treatment.

The author reserves his highest praise for a 30-year police veteran, Mike Pool, who the author says spent 20 years of his law enforcement career on a SWAT team and then founded and runs the West Coast Post-trauma Retreat (WCPR) in California for emergency responders.  Aided by his staff of psychologists and peer counselors, like police officer and combat veteran Nick Turkovich, Pool conducts intense therapy sessions for a week at a time with a group of police, firefighters and other responders.  He acts alternating roles as "big brother, father figure, tough old uncle, vulnerable friend, and fellow first responder."  The author writes that the West Coast Posttrauma Retreat "succeeds on the strength of Mike's broad shoulders." As a result, most of the first responders return to their jobs greatly relieved and can continue a process of healing, still monitored by Mike Pool and his staff.

One chapter, "Trauma Resilience," began on a hopeful note by discussing some theories regarding preparatory work personnel can do to ready themselves for trauma before it happens.  I wish this had gone further on what officers can follow to strengthen their personal resiliencies before trouble strikes but it ended too soon.  This is highly important and departments have much more they can do in this area.

I do have to point out one error, much as I enjoyed this book, and I'm certain this was merely a misstatement.  It is said, twice, in talking about anger and a desire to harm others, that "one of the main symptoms of PTSD is a thirst for revenge."  This is incorrect and it is not given as a PTSD  symptom in credible literature on mental disorders or our experience with PTSD sufferers.  The primary features of PTSD are fear, flashbacks, withdrawal, numbing, hyperarousal and isolation.  Anger and agitation are common but are turned inward, making it the terribly painful disorder it is.  But PTSD by itself itself does not make sufferers violent towards others.  Unfortunately, there are cases popping up recently in which PTSD is being blamed for murders by veterans when, in fact, there were other disorders and problems involved, including TBI's and substance abuse, that were more likely the cause. Society already views the mentally ill as "dangerous," so we need to be very careful not to further stigmatize this illness by suggesting violence potential where none exists.

This is an excellent book, however, full of many alternative ideas and thoughts for consideration/discussion, and I encourage anyone interested in furthering their knowledge in this area to read it!

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/On-the-Edge-Recent-Perspectives-on-Police-Suicide/dp/0398086338/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">On the Edge: Recent Perspectives on Police Suicide</a>
2224270
As a survivor of a brain injury myself, this book has incredible, practicle insights into dealing with and overcoming the day-to-day stuggles of regaining your life after head-injury.

Written in easy flowing, sometimes humorous language, the authors communicate critical advice to readjusting expectations and coping with brain trauma. Not only will this book be helpful for the significant others of the survivor, I think the perspectives portrayed with humorous anicdotes and the emotions communicated will speak encouragement and hope to the survivor. Every survivor of this trauma will see themselves in Beth's struggle.

Two thumbs up guys!
3167890
Over the last several years I have come to greatly admire the work of the War Writers Campaign. http://www.warwriterscampaign.org a nonprofit independent publisher who understands the power of therapy through communications. In my publication of Courage in America: 7 Warriors with Character and through the Character Building Project, I have tried to support their mission of promoting social change surrounding veterans issues through written awareness.

In visiting wounded warriors at Walter Reed Medical Center, Fort Belvoir and other hospitals serving the military, I have met many warriors who have successfully grown after suffering traumatic mental and physical injuries. I cannot think of a one who experienced post-traumatic growth on their own. Almost all have benefited from non-medical advisors (NMAs) as caregivers, usually their spouses. Not enough attention has been paid to the other side of the bed where the support is becoming better understood but their suffering is not.

I recently read, Sleeping With The War, a poetic take on the life after combat written by the wife of a United States Marine. The author, Melissa Comeau shares with her readers a dark undertaking of the lasting effects of war on her husband. Sleeping With The War is a difficult read, particularly for those like my self whose appreciation of poetry is limited to Rudyard Kipling and William Ernest Henley. There are a number of poems that struck a responsive chord in me and brought my wife to tears.

Learn about post-traumatic stress from not just the warrior but from the warriors spouse. Melissa prose brings home her suffering as well as that of her husband. Hopefully, many readers will purchase her book and after reading  pass it on to the wives of warriors who continue to sleep with the war.
6529
This book is not only important for understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), recognizing it in a loved one or family member, and dealing with its effects on the person who has it and their family, but contains a personal family story woven throughout the discourse.  This lends authenticity to the conclusions and draws the reader into the book right from the start!  The book reveals the invisible damage and it's effects upon the warrior and their family, who may also suffer their own version of PTSD from the abnormal behavior of the veteran that they love.  However, many warriors and/or their family members may be uncomfortable with admitting the PTSD is there and seeking treatment for it, because unfortunately there is still a stigma attached to the injury as though it is something a person could choose not to have.  The veteran may be in denial themselves.

The premise of this book is to verify that the condition is real, it is not brought on by any weakness in the subject, and that it is treatable.  If not treated successfully, the toll it takes upon the warrior and the family can result in dissolution of the family relationships in fact if not legally!  There is much encouragement from the realization that humans are created in the image of God and thus are composed of body, soul and spirit.  Therefore, each of these components can and should be addressed and treated.  Counsel, medication and spiritual strengthening are all critical steps in recovery, relief and restoration of normalcy in the areas of restful and peaceful sleep, the healing of memories, and effective communication to strengthen relationships with both family and friends.

Another important lesson in this book is the role that forgiveness plays in effectively treating the wounded warrior and the wounded family.  Both parties are urged to practice forgiveness for the wrong behaviors and choices of each other.  Scripture is used to support the tremendous benefit of forgiveness and prayer in restoring some sense of normalcy to the life of the veteran and the family.  Each family member is affected by war coming home with the warrior.  Thus each one is able to participate in the healing required for a successful life after war.

This work is a quick read and easy to understand and take instruction from.  I recommend it for everyone.  The ideas and instructions in this book would be an effective guide for dealing with PTSD from other sources than war, such as an accident, assault or other event causing trauma and shock.  You will want to pass this book on so that it's influence can go further than just your personal library.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.
964174
I discovered this book at the public library many years ago, when I was learning what it meant to be diagnosed with PTSD.  It helped me to recover by avoiding conversations with people who are too weak to face reality.  I learned to manage stressors and triggers better.  I learned to adjust my expectations of others so that I would not be further hurt by their inability to cope with the horrors that do exist in this world.  I learned not to react when others minimize, discount, change the subject, or tell me to "just get over it already!"  People have their limits.

I have recommended this book more often than I can count--not merely to those who have suffered trauma, but more often to those who have not, so that the world will become more supportive of trauma victims, because as long as the general population continues to shove it down, turn away, blame the victim, accuse the victim of seeking attention, etc., people who have experienced traumatic events will have trouble recovering.  It requires a healing environment.

If the best thing you can possibly do when someone tells you about a horrible event in their lives is to say nothing at all, you will have helped that person far more than if you say something that downplays their horror.  I encourage EVERYONE to read this book!
3312398
I thoroughly  enjoyed this book
I think Scott,  Joan, and their family and friends were the  catalyst that supported Scott  during his difficult times. TBI is a difficult diagnose to cope with. God has a purpose for things. Thanks for. sharing
953992
This book has helped me understand my reactions and emotions related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It was comforting to me to know that I am not crazy.  Someone understands me.  Now I can understand myself.
3769434
I read this book at the recommendation of the fabulous Miss W, who is an amazing member of my son's therapy team and part of the family of my heart, so her recommendations have a great deal of pull with me.  So I checked it out on kindle through our local library, so as such I didn't purchase it, and hadn't originally planned on reviewing it.  But then Amazon sent me an e-mail asking me how I would rate it (I guess because it was the kindle version I borrowed), so I figured it was fair game ;)

The author writes this book after suffering a debilitating stroke that leaves him with a rare condition: locked in syndrome.  Awakening from 20 days worth of coma to a life without being able to move more then one eye lid and a slight turn of his neck, he shows the reader through very elegant prose how he has chosen in part to confront one of the central traumas that can arise from this type of condition:  how much capability must someone posses to be seen as a person capable of contribution by those around them?  By the very definition of locked in syndrome, physically, every mannerism or action that tied him to his previous life and his closest companions was beyond his capabilities.  Yet with persistent and pain staking devotion, he blink by blink spelled out the inner vibrancy of his soul and the courage of his insights in the face of a life devastatingly and irrevocably altered.

For me, while this isn't a book I plan on purchasing because reading it once was enough for me (I tend to save my book purchases for either things I will read more then once for their escapist value or reference many times), his prose is gorgeously vivid, and I do think it is a book I can recommend.  I think it is especially important for people in all areas of the medical profession to be aware of how the care they provide and the manner in which it is delivered can impact their patients, regardless of what they think that patient is or isn't aware of or capable of.  He touches on the matter briefly a few times in a way that describes without sermonizing, which allows the reader to see what has occurred and imagine for themselves how they would feel in a similar position.  And perhaps expand that to how others might feel as well.

And I think this is a lesson that can extend not just to medical professionals, but friends, families, loved ones, associates, and acquaintances.  I see all the time in the way people interact with my son how much a person's treatment of another can be changed by the idea that they may not be capable of things, or that they may not understand what you are saying, so why bother?  That kind of thing.  And this book gives an answer to the why bother?  Because there is still a vibrant, thinking, caring soul in there, capable of giving, loving, and contributing.  A lack of skill or movement does not negate our humanity, and I love that the author chose to create something positive out of what must have felt desperately difficult at times, and that he provides an example for living that focuses on being grateful for any little pleasure and respite you can have.  Really, this is a remarkable book.  It was worth my time and it is worth yours too.
2347304
I am a Clinical Psychologist who works with individuals who have experienced single-event as well as life-long trauma and abuse. They often struggle to understand what is going on in their minds, their bodies and how to manage symptoms of anxiety, mood swings, flashbacks, hypervigilance, hyper-arousal, etc. Trauma and Abuse Decoded is THE book I use to help clients understand what is going on, feel empowered, and gain control of their symptoms and lives. It is also very helpful in educating friends and family members involved in their life. Megan makes this vital knowledge accessible for all readers through her down-to-Earth, knowledgeable, and compassionate approach to helping people.
23317
There is the actual trauma... it is the stuff of PTSD
and then there is the betrayal of trust that may have
led up to the trauma and the betrayal of trust in how
others respond or fail to respond to the trauma...

This is called Moral Injury... Moral injury is the betrayal
of trust by those who are responsible for my safety and care.

It is the parent who knows.. but does nothing. The administrator
who minimizes and dismisses. The hospital who sends someone
away or has them waiting for months. It is the police officer who
hardens his heart and draws his own conclusions. It is the community
who will make a show of burying the dead.... and then turn their backs
on the survivors a couple of months later.

Trauma and Grace is really a companion text that draws us into the
mystery of Our Lord's Cross and Resurrection... into the passionate
prayers of the Anawim we sit beside on the bus.  I paired it with the
topic of Military Sexual Trauma... You will find your own companion
text that describes for you the place of the wounding. Perhaps a drug
overdose or a prison sentence that is destroying a family or car accident
that left survivors who can not heal.

Both books are fiercely difficult to read! So allow lots of breathing room.
Leave them out where you can pick them up... read a little more and
then let it rest again. Don't rush the reading.  Healing moral wounding
takes time and reflection to heal and to learn how to guard your heart
from having the wound reopened.

Peace and all good...
1752298
This is a thoughtful and helpful book. In this amazing book, "War and the Soul: Healing Our Nation's Veterans from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder," psychologist Tick discusses how modern war affects the psyches of the human beings -- no matter how strong and resilient-- who fight them and how healing happen.

He recognizes the fact that wars are soul-wounding and that the healing is more than pills or pushing the memories away. He prescribes mythic storytelling, Native American ceremony and the involvement of the communityt to repair the wounds so that the veteran can once again feel "home" after immersed in the horror of war.

He has much to say how older veterans have a role in healing younger veterans and how the community and clergy can respond in healing ways. In Racine, Wis., I am very proud to sponsor his informational programs and healing retreats at Lake House Health & Learning Center.

Thank you, Ed, for your brilliant and sincere work.
2304927
Greatly informative and helpful for those who have gone through traumatic events and dealt with PTSD and/or trauma related disorders
4362216
An engaging book explaining the Neuro science behind trauma in accessible language.