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By Charlene Rubush, September 29, 2010 10:52 pm

Over the years, I’ve accumulated quite a resource library on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I’m always happy to pass along comments and reviews on books that have proved invaluable to me. I’ve found that the “Dummies” books are generally of very high-quality, and are laid out in an easy-to-read and digest format.

Mark Goulston, MD, the author of this 2007 book, is an expert on PTSD, suicide prevention, violence intervention, and maintains a private clinical practice. He has taught or lectured at UCLA, USC, and Fortune 500 companies, as well as trained FBI  and police hostage negotiators.

While this book is now several years old, it provides an amazing array of sound ideas and proven therapies for treating PTSD, in its many forms.

This review is from:

 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder For Dummies (Paperback, Copyright 2007, Wiley Publishing, Inc.)

—Outstanding Resource, from One Who Knows

This is a comprehensive look at a very serious subject. Written by Mark Goulston, MD, a top psychiatrist and life-skills coach, the book delivers invaluable information and advice for those living with PTSD.

It’s also an excellent primer for anyone interested in the subject. Dr. Goulston writes with a conversational tone that is very comforting. His primary message to his reader is “There is a road out of this terrible place.”

PTSD victims and their family members have to be reminded of this at every turn, for the depression and isolation that usually comes with PTSD, too often leads to suicide. We are seeing this more and more in combat veterans.

While Dr. Goulston notes that PTSD is a major, life-altering disorder, and an “invisible epidemic” affecting at least 13 million Americans of every age, he also asserts the good news today, is that PTSD is highly treatable.

PTSD is a complex illness, and there are many manifestations of it. The author explains that there are two primary types of PTSD: Simple and Complex. Simple PTSD usually follows a single event, while Complex PTSD can occur after repeated traumas. Goulston gives insights into the amazing array of available treatments that now offer relief and healing.

He addresses the challenges and stresses facing the loved ones of those with PTSD, as well as nearly every facet of this “Anxiety Disorder.” He also manages to infuse the book with flashes of humor, a much-needed tool for fighting PTSD.

This book will help anyone interested in PTSD, and that should be all of us, as we’re all just one traumatic event away from it. As our war veterans return from Iraq and Afghanistan, this vital resource can provide great hope and understanding.

Don’t be mislead by the “Dummies” label. This book is chock-full of scientific facts, and proven remedies. A very important work on PTSD. Highly, enthusiastically recommended!!

• To read more reviews, go to http://www.amazon.com/books

Note: This book also contains “Cheat Sheets” in the front, such as “Simple Stress Busters,” “Truths to Hold Onto,” and “Important Numbers to Have on Hand.” There is also an informational section titled “Are Your PTSD Meds Working for You?” which tells you the things to watch for, both positive and negative, while taking these meds.

I’ll get on my soapbox again. Where were books like this when we, of the Vietnam generation, needed them? I guess the answer is– they were waiting to be born.

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By Charlene Rubush, September 17, 2010 1:29 pm

There are now so many wonderful books being written by our returning soldiers. I’ve decided to share this book review I wrote (which is posted on amazon.com) after reading Jeremiah Workman’s searing memoir. I often wonder where such author’s gain the strength and insight to be able to revisit their trauma and share it with the reading public. I’m just glad that they do.

Shadow of the Sword: A Marine’s Journey of War, Heroism,and Redemption by Jeremiah Workman and John Buhning

——Intimate, Courageous Look into the Hell of War, Its Aftermath and Learning to Live with PTSD

Jeremiah Workman is not only one admirable Marine, but he’s also a tremendous human being. He has written an absolutely awesome book. Not only is the writing crisp and unflinching, the story behind it is riveting and gut-wrenching. What we ask of our soldiers!

I found this book to be among the very best that show the mental and emotional devastation that enduring fierce combat brings upon a soldier. Workman describes the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder that he now lives with, (for those of us who remember vinyl records) as like a groove in a record which gets stuck, and plays the same note over and over again. Once the groove is there, it cannot be removed.

Workman shows the reader, in gory detail, what his life as a Marine has been like, from training at Parris Island, to his mind-blowing tour in Iraq, especially the battle in Fallujah that claimed so many of his buddies, and left him with severe survivor guilt. He shows us what it was like for him, as he became a drill instructor back again at Parris Island, and his PTSD shifted into high gear.

I learned so many things from reading this book. Like what the life of a drill instructor is like, and the fact that they have one of the highest divorce rates in the Marine Corps. And that the VA had only planned for 8,000 cases of PTSD, and there will be well over more than 700,000 thousand cases of it by the time the war ends.

Only now we’re also sending more troops to Afghanistan. There is truly no end in sight. What a wave of anguish is washing over our country. And yet denial continues. It continues in the American public.

And for so many reasons, it continues in our soldiers themselves, until the pain grows so severe, the problem can no longer be denied. Even then, not all of those needing help seek it from the VA. And who pays the price along with our soldiers? It’s the spouses, children and other family members.

This book has astounded me with its brutal candor. What guts this American hero and recipient of the Navy Cross, displays as he bares his soul to us. Parts of this book made me weep. I will never forget this young American soldier, or the price he and his family have paid for our freedom. May he and his loved ones, somehow find the peace they have truly earned.

Workman tells us that by joining the Vets for Freedom Heroes tour in 2008 and speaking about his experiences, he has started the healing process. In sharing, he continues to serve our country, holding up a mirror to us.

Every American should read this book, so that each citizen will be more understanding and compassionate toward our returning combat veterans. And also understand that we owe them and must provide, all the help they need. And that we will begin to truly realize that the aftereffects of war can be just as consequential, as the initial battles.

I applaud Jeremiah Workman and his family for all they have given up for us, and for the fact that he is determined to make the most of his life, in spite of PTSD. I wish them all the best.

I pray that his story goes a long way in eradicating the shame that stills accompanies those afflicted with PTSD, especially our soldiers. He has shone a hopeful light on this deadly serious subject. Very, very, highly recommended reading!!

http://www.jeremiahworkman.com.

http://www.amazon.com.

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By Charlene Rubush, August 16, 2010 4:36 pm

For over 40 years now, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been a major problem for many Vietnam veterans. It’s one of the main conditions treated by the VA. It’s said to be one of the major causes of divorce for Vietnam veterans. And, if some of the suicide statistics are true (and there’s room for argument on both sides), PTSD is a major cause of suicide among Vietnam veterans.

VietNow is very fortunate that two compassionate PTSD experts – experienced counselor Mary Tendall and her associate Jan Fishler – have shared their expertise with us in the form of a great series of articles with ideas on how to deal with PTSD.

In the history of the VietNow National Magazine nothing has come close to the response to these articles. These articles have not only touched a nerve, but have also provided a healing touch.

Since it’s obvious that PTSD won’t be going away any time soon, and because it sometimes seems that the problem is getting bigger rather than smaller – and because there are differences of opinion on the topic – we have published lots of articles, stories, and poems related to this painful topic.

We hope something you’ll read here with touch you in a good way, and we hope that if you need help with your ghosts, maybe something here will point you (or someone close to you) in the direction of help.

If you have questions or comments about your PTSD-related problems, Jan and Mary have kindly made themselves available to help. They assure your confidentiality and invite you to e-mail them directly at:
Jan Fishler: jan@tincatmedia.com
Mary Tendall: maryten@jps.net

Some of the article titles are:

Featured PTSD Articles by Jan and Mary – and other writers.

Getting Through the Rough Times
There are ways to help the PTSD sufferer through the physical and emotional pain, but you also have to take care of yourself during the process.

Living With Guilt and Shame
Guilt and shame are deep and often debilitating emotions that can haunt individuals for years. Exploring the origin and impact of guilt and shame from the perspective of combat veterans and family members.

http://www.vietnow.com

Charlene Rubush’s Note:

VietNow is an awesome organization which is committed to helping all veterans and their families. Much of what we now know about PTSD has come from the study of Nam vets and their families.

Please visit their website and learn all about them. I’ve gained a lot from my membership with them. Their magazine is phenomenal, and they’ve been  working hard for many years, to better veterans lives.