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When the War Never Ends: The Voices of Military Members with PTSD and Their Families By Leah Wizelman(Author)

The chances of service members developing PTSD after military-related traumas is, according to a U.S. study, at least 30 percent. The effects of PTSD can be devastating, ranging, for example, from distressing flashbacks, nightmares, sleep disorders, physical symptoms, irritability, aggressions, memory and concentration problems. These symptoms often cause severe impairment in all areas of life and may lead to despair and hopelessness. PTSD is neither a localized nor a temporary problem. Here, Leah Wizelman relates the true stories of service members from different service branches and ranks from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Germany, who were participants in various wars (Vietnam, Gulf war, Iraq, Afghanistan, Grenada) and peace missions (Kosovo, Bosnia, Croatia, Cambodia, Somalia, Cyprus, Haiti). They talk openly about their lives after trauma and share their fates with the reader. Spouses of affected military members also tell their stories. They talk about how difficult it is to live with a partner with PTSD and how it affects their children, but also how they manage to cope. As these stories show all too vividly, military-related PTSD has not been dealt with effectively or with enough empathy or sympathy. Those affected by PTSD will realize that they are not alone in their suffering, and others will gain insight into the realities of this challenging mental disorder.

 All Blacks Don't Cry vvvvv

All Blacks Don’t Cry by John Kirwan (Author)John Kirwan was one of the most devastating wingers New Zealand, and world, rugby had ever seen. A prominent and revered figure at the dawn of the professional age of rugby, he seemed to live a charmed life. Nobody knew, though, that behind closed doors ‘JK’ was living a life of tormented fear. Afflicted with depression for many years – including those as a high-profile sportsman – Kirwan was able to survive by reaching out, seeking help from those closest to him. All Blacks Don’t Cry is John Kirwan’s story of hope, of working through the pain and living a full life – a poignant, inspirational and helpful example for anybody battling depression. ‘I’ve been to hell and I’m back. If you’re in that same place, then I understand what you’re going through.’

 The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook: A Guide to Healing, Recovery, and Growth

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The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook: A Guide to Healing, Recovery, and Growth
by Glenn Schiraldi (Author)

The Definitive Resource for Trauma Survivors, Their Loved Ones, and Helpers Trauma can take many forms, from witnessing a violent crime or surviving a natural disaster to living with the effects of abuse, rape, combat, or alcoholism. Deep emotional wounds may seem like they will never heal. However, with The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook, Dr. Glenn Schiraldi offers a remarkable range of treatment alternatives and self-management techniques, showing survivors that the other side of pain is recovery and growth. Live your life more fully-without fear, pain, depression, or self-doubt Identify emotional triggers-and protect yourself from further harm Understand the link between PTSD and addiction-and how to break it Find the best treatments and techniques that are right for you. This updated edition covers new information for war veterans and survivors with substance addictions. It also explores mindfulness-based treatments, couples strategies, medical aids, and other important treatment innovations.

 The PTSD Workbook: Simple, Effective Techniques for Overcoming Traumatic Stress Symptoms vvv

The PTSD Workbook: Simple, Effective Techniques for Overcoming Traumatic Stress Symptoms
by Mary Beth Williams (Author), Soili Poijula (Author)In The PTSD Workbook, two psychologists and trauma experts gather together techniques and interventions used by PTSD experts from around the world to offer trauma survivors the most effective tools available to conquer their most distressing trauma-related symptoms. Readers learn how to determine the type of trauma they experienced, identify their symptoms, and learn the most effective strategies they can use to overcome them.

 Healing from Trauma: A Survivor's Guide to Understanding Your Symptoms and Reclaiming Your Life  vv

Healing from Trauma: A Survivor’s Guide to Understanding Your Symptoms and Reclaiming Your Life
by Jasmin Lee Cori (Author), Robert Scaer (Foreword)

While there are many different approaches to healing trauma, few offer a wide range of perspectives and options. With innovative insight into trauma-related difficulties, Jasmin Lee Cori helps you: Understand trauma and its devastating impacts Identify symptoms of trauma (dissociation, numbing, etc.) and common mental health problems that stem from trauma Manage traumatic reactions and memories Create a more balanced life that supports your recovery Choose appropriate interventions (therapies, self-help groups, medications and alternatives) Recognize how far you’ve come in your healing and what you need to keep growing Complete with exercises, healing stories, points to remember, and resources, this is a perfect companion for anyone seeking to reclaim their life from the devastating…

 No Comfort Zone: Notes on Living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

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No Comfort Zone: Notes on Living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
by Marla Handy (Author)

No Comfort Zone exposes a jagged slice of humanity that is all too present, but often shielded from our view. The author challenges us to see life as she does, so we can understand a bit of what it’s like to live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With insight and humor, she describes the fear and unpredictability of growing up in an unstable household, the terror of being raped as a young adult, and the confusion and shame of living with perceptions and reactions that are often so very different from others’. After years of treatment for depression, a diagnosis of PTSD came as a surprise. Isn’t this something that only happens to combat veterans? But it made sense. In writing this highly personal account, Marla Handy helps the rest of us understand what PTSD is and that…

 Once a Warrior--Always a Warrior: Navigating the Transition from Combat to Home--Including Combat Stress, PTSD, and mTBI

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Once a Warrior–Always a Warrior: Navigating the Transition from Combat to Home–Including Combat Stress, PTSD, and mTBI
by Charles W. Hoge M.D. (Author)

The essential handbook for anyone who has ever returned from a war zone, and their spouse, partner, or family members. Being back home can be as difficult, if not more so, than the time spent serving in a combat zone. It’s with this truth that Colonel Charles W. Hoge, MD, a leading advocate for eliminating the stigma of mental health care, presents Once a Warrior—Always a Warrior, a groundbreaking resource with essential new insights for anyone who has ever returned home from a war zone. In clear practical language, Dr. Hoge explores the latest knowledge in combat stress, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), mTBI (mild traumatic brain injury), other physiological reactions to war, and their treatment options. Recognizing that warriors and family members both change during…

                                          Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder For Dummies                     

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder For Dummies
by Mark Goulston (Author)

As Dr. Mark Goulston tells his patients who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), “The fact that you’re still afraid doesn’t mean you’re in any danger. It just takes the will and the way for your heart and soul to accept what the logical part of your mind already knows.” In Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder For Dummies, Dr. Goulston helps you find the will and shows you the way.A traumatic event can turn your world upside down, but there is a path out of PTSD. This reassuring guide presents the latest on effective treatments that help you combat fear, stop stress in its tracks, and bring joy back into your life. You’ll learn how to:Identify PTSD symptoms and get a diagnosisUnderstand PTSD and the nature of traumaDevelop a PTSD treatment planChoose the ideal therapist for…

      When Someone You Love Suffers from Posttraumatic Stress: What to Expect and What You Can Do

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When Someone You Love Suffers from Posttraumatic Stress: What to Expect and What You Can Do
by Claudia Zayfert PhD (Author), Jason C. DeViva PhD (Author

For trauma survivors struggling with intense memories and emotions, it often feels like life won’t ever be “normal” again. Effective treatments are out there, but the needs of family members are often overlooked. Will the person you love ever get better? What can you do to promote healing? Where can you turn when you just can’t cope? From experienced trauma specialists Drs. Claudia Zayfert and Jason C. DeViva, this compassionate guide is packed with information, support, vivid stories, and specific advice. Learn to navigate the rough spots day by day and help your loved one find a brighter tomorrow. (20110615)

     

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Alcoholics Anonymousby Various Writers

Alcoholics Anonymous, affectionately known by members as “The Big Book,” is the textbook for the original 12-step recovery program. Written by Bill W., founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, and many of the first 100 members of the group, it was actually written by committee, with drafts of the book sent back and forth between Bill W’s group in New York and Dr. Bob, the other founder of A.A., in Akron, OH.

Many long-time members of the Alcoholics Anonymous program regard The Big Book with the same esteem that others do the Holy Bible, considering it to be divinely inspired. Since the founders of the 12 step program began their spiritual journey of recovery in the Christian Oxford Group and borrowed many of that group’s and other Christian group’s principles in forming the 12 steps, it stands to reason that some would regard The Big Book with reverence.

The Big Book is divided into two main parts. The first part, known as the first 164 pages or the “original manuscript” explains the 12 step program and how it can be used to overcome the affects of alcoholism.

The first part of Chapter 5, titled “How it Works,” contains the 12 steps and is usually read at the opening of every A.A. meeting worldwide.

The second part of the book contains stories written by some of the original members of A.A. relating their personal experiences with alcoholism and how they found a path to recovery. In the three editions of the book, some of these stories have been deleted and others added, but the message is the same — the only way to fully recover from the effects of alcoholism is to practice the principles found in the 12 steps, which can lead to a “spiritual awakening” for the alcoholic.

For those whose lives have been changed by it, Alcoholics Anonymous has become more than a mere book — it has become a life-long companion.

     

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Pinch Me: How Following the Signals Changed My Life

By Logue, Bernadette

Often our goals feel out of reach, and our dreams seem destined to stay just that. But the way forward and the means to change our lives is being shown to us, every day.  Pinch Me is for anyone who is ready to learn the simple art of paying attention to The Signals that each of us receives each day. Following The Signals completely changed life for Bernadette Logue. A typical corporate-driven, slightly cynical thirty-something, she had a big dream with no idea how to achieve it. Then, things started happening. Strange coincidences, dreams repeating over and over, song lyrics that came to her from nowhere, and people and things turning up at the time she needed them, all pointed her in the direction of her dream. When she paid closer attention, she discovered that everywhere she looked there were signals beckoning her forward on the path to making her dream happen. Pinch Me is her account of how she followed The Signals, achieved her dream and created the life she always wanted. Have you noticed The Signals being sent your way? Do you know what to pay attention to? What if you understood what they were telling you? What if you acted on them?   Achieving your dreams is not a matter of trying harder, working longer, or trying to figure out how to make the seemingly impossible, possible. The clues to how to change your life are right in front of you. If only you know what to look for.  Join Bernadette as she shares with you how she created her Pinch Me life by following The Signals. What if you could do the same?

     

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Confucius from the Heart: Ancient Wisdom for Today’s World Yu Dan(Author)

As one of Chinas’s all-time bestsellers, Confucius from the Heart unveils the wisdom of The Analects, a major text of Confucian philosophy that has dominated Chinas’s intellectual and spiritual culture for more than two millenia.Yu Dan helps readers attain spiritual happiness and harmony. Her simple, conversational prose finally makes the ancient wisdom of Confucius accessible to all, ultimately unveiling the immense value of Confucian teachings.In today’s increasingly demanding world, Confucius from the Heart is a beacon of light, ready to soothe our souls with wisdom that has guided a whole culture and withstood the test of time.

     

     

 

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