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By Charlene Rubush, October 31, 2012 9:55 pm

The PTSD Forum is a terrific informational website that offers a chatroom for those living with PTSD. You’ll find some inspiring PTSD success stories there!

Check it out at:

www.ptsdforum.org

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By Charlene Rubush, September 12, 2012 2:47 pm

The Sidran Institute’s website offers excellent, up-to-date information on all aspects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

It also offers a help desk that provides information on finding therapists, treatment centers, and support groups, as well as recommendations regarding books, videos, newsletters, and journals about PTSD.

I credit Sidran with helping me cope with PTSD. I own many of their books on recovering from trauma, and highly recommend them to anyone living with PTSD, or simply desiring to learn more.

I’ll be writing more on Sidran in upcoming posts.

Check out their website at:

http://www.sidran.org

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By Charlene Rubush, August 14, 2012 3:48 pm

Today I’m re-posting a book review on one of the best books I’ve found on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Outstanding Resource from One Who Knows

This review is on:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder For Dummies (Paperback)

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!!

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By Charlene Rubush, August 8, 2012 2:28 pm

Today I received my About.com newsletter, which includes an excellent article by Matthew Tull, Ph.D. which is about an app that is aimed at those with PTSD. It is called the PTSD Coach.

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD has developed a smartphone app to help those who are suffering with PTSD, better manage their symptoms.

This app is FREE, and has been receiving positive reviews. The PTSD Coach can be downloaded from iTunes and Android Market.

Dr.Tull notes that the PTSD Coach is not a replacement for professional treatment, but it gives someone with PTSD immediate access to quality information on PTSD and how to manage its symptoms. With the app, you’ll have easy coping strategies such as relaxation or anger management techniques.

It also can help you connect with support if you feel you’re in a crisis situation. Family members of those with PTSD, may also find the app helpful in understanding a loved one’s illness.

The National Center for PTSD is currently working on an app called the PTSD Family Coach.

To read the full article go to:

http://ptsd.about.com/od/additionalresources/qt/A-Ptsd-App-For-Your-Smartphone.htm

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By Charlene Rubush, June 6, 2010 2:32 pm

Part One:

Another good website sponsored by social workers, which offers excellent information for the general public and for combat veterans and their families is:

 http://www.helpstartshere.org.

Susan Evans, LICSW, runs a support group, and offers the following information (which I’m summarizing).

 “There is not a day goes by that PTSD does not play some part in that day.”

-Trudi, Spouse of Vietnam Combat Veteran 

Introduction

The Journal of the American Medical Association in March, 2006, reported that 35 percent of Iraq war veterans sought treatment for mental health issues within a year of coming home.

The Department of Defense now estimates that between 15 percent and 29 percent of veterans from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan will suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The caseload for mental health counselors in the Veterans Administration is six times higher than anticipated. By 2008 more than 400,000 troops could need mental health treatment if this trend continues. Who will help the spouses and families of these combat veterans?

 Stepping Up to Help

Eleven women with vast experience dealing with combat veterans returning home from war are using what they’ve learned by contributing to this article. They are married to vets who have significant PTSD disabilities from previous wars, and the Iraq War. Their goal is to offer support, encouragement and hope to the spouses and families of Iraq and Afghanistan vets.

They offer the following thoughts while recognizing that each war is unique and some of these suggestions may not be appropriate for the most recent wars.

• Listen and Do Not Judge
• Know What to Look For. Educate Yourself about PTSD!
• Accept Help. / Be Willing to Accept Help, Even if He Doesn’t!
• Protect Yourself and Your Family Even if He Can’t
• Help Your Children. Go to the PTSD Information Helpline at 802-296-6300

 Remember:

You cannot fix the PTSD symptoms. Those are his symptoms that he has to learn to manage or not. Make your own goals and keep them in your focus. These goals might be improving your own health with good nutrition, exercise, and rest, or spending time with friends, or doing special things for yourself.

Go to http://www.ncptsd.org for constantly updated info on PTSD and resources.

To read complete article now, go to:

http://www.helpstartshere.org/tip-sheets/veterans-affairs-tip-sheet-help-for-spouses-of-com

Charlene’s Note:

I’ll be posting more on this article soon. As a former spouse of a Vietnam veteran, and one with very little help at the time I needed it, I’m so grateful to pass on this terrific information for today’s vets and their families. There is hope and help out there for you!