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PTSD Resources for Survivors and Caregivers
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Gift From Within members to help trauma survivors with PTSD.
Topics:

Caregivers | Child Abuse & Recovery | Compassion Fatigue | Culture, Ethnicity & Healing | Depression
Domestic Violence | DID/MPD/BPD | Grief & Loss | Healing & Recovery | Healing & Recovery for Men
Inspirational | Memoirs | PTSD | Rape & Recovery | Religion & Spirituality| Self Harm | Self Help
Neurophysiology | Trauma & Addiction | Veterans | Women's Studies | Favorite Novels

Audio/CD | DVD
Caregivers:
Patti:

"Art of the Heart: How to Understand and Help People with Alzheimer's and Related Disorders. Book I: Restoration of the Self: A Journey. " by Rita Frank. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: RoseDog Books. 2008. $11.00.


I am not aware of many families who have not been touched by Alzheimer's or Dementia in some form. I know I wish I'd had access to this nugget when my step mom was diagnosed. Do not be alarmed by the rather long title of this book. It is a small book packed with useful information developed by firsthand experience, and written with tremendous compassion.

The author describes in detail exercises to aid the confused victim in regaining some control for the confusion that clouds the mind with the onset of these diseases.

The book is valuable for the caretaker because it explains the progression of the disease and how the loss of so many basic skills affects the patient. The book is not only a therapeutic tool but, in my opinion a validating tool for the caretaker. Frank details her successes and failures with her techniques. In so doing I feel she is attempting to enable and encourage the caretaker to be brave at trying to encourage the patient to interact with the environment, and to do so with humor and insight.

In my search for helpful information I never ran across such a helpful tool as Frank has given us. The book is concise and easy to follow and packed full of helpful suggestions. I truly recommend this book for those who seek to help a victim of Alzheimer's.
Child Abuse & Recovery:
Patti:

"Survivors' Stories: An Enlightening Journey through the differing lives of Child Abuse Survivors. Volume One: Stories 1-6. " by Morven Fyfe. England: Commandment Publishing, 2007. (Amazon rating 5 stars). $24.95.


Fyfe's book is very reader friendly, a fact quickly seen in the way the Table of Contents is outlined. The paper and print are easy on the eyes, something those of us in middle age can appreciate. He begins his book with a section on how to use his book and describes who the book is for and why. I loved the exhaustive Questionnaire in section 7 which helps the reader to examine and understand childhood traumas and is an excellent tool for helping those of us who journal.

The author presents an enlightening section on barriers that keep adult victims from both examining their past and speaking out about it, reminding us that it is our responsibility to examine our pasts, something we cannot rely on others to do for us. The whole book is a great tool for beginning that examination and healing process.

Next the author presents The Stories of six adults who were abused in childhood. Their stories differ in types of abuse and how their lives remain affected in adulthood. Those of us from dysfunctional childhoods of any type can find validation in reading the heart-rending stories presented here and can also find hope in the way these individuals are coping and surviving.

I like how the author encourages survivors of child abuse to speak out in spite of how society and significant others may discourage that and in spite of how speaking out is sometimes met with discouragement and misunderstanding. Sometimes this speaking out may entail seeking restitution and/or justice for wrongs done.

The whole work is very encouraging and compassionate and this is one book I would wholeheartedly recommend to all of our members and visitors to Gift From Within who have suffered any form of childhood abuse, and for those who seek to understand the needs of children or who work with children.

Note: The "Declaration" on page 254 is wonderfully affirming. Please note: readers may also like to visit the website: http://survivors-stories.co.uk.
Patti:

"Unfragmented Dreams" by Saji and On, West Conshohocken, PA: Infinity
Publishing Company. 2006. $15.95.


Unfragmented Dreams is a small, easy to read, lovely book. One should not be deceived by its size and simplicity, however, because it carries wisdom about the complexities of life in the wake of childhood trauma. The book is a touching account of a young woman's search to find healing from a past she does not fully remember or understand, but which imposes upon her present life. I like how the book describes alternative therapies that some of us may not have considered. By portraying actual sessions of creative expression to find healing, it assures the reader that these therapies are safe and useful. I found the book enjoyable and helpful. I recommend it to all who are grasping to find meaning and healing from any type of emotional pain. It truly is a lovely little book that one can read rather quickly. I hope to see more books by this writing team.

Patti Brown, Feb 13, 2007
Patti:

"The Narcissistic Family: Diagnosis and Treatment" by Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman, Robert M. Pressman, (Amazon rating 5 stars). $35.60.


This book is written for therapists but it is quite helpful for the patient as well. The Pressmans attest that victims of the narcissistic family need to be addressed in a unique way in therapy, as their family history creates a unique set of problems that may not exist together under another category. Children of narcissistic family systems fail to understand and meet their own needs and come to believe that they exist to meet the needs of their parents. The parental/child roles are reversed. The children end up becoming the caretakers of those who are supposed to be caring for them. Understandably this creates all sorts of problems for the children who are in the process of having their own identities formed. As adults these children will have difficulties setting boundaries, forming intimate relationships and understanding that they have value. The authors share some actual cases with clients and how their situations were handled in therapy.

I found this book priceless. Although the authors only deal briefly with trauma and PTSD I found that the book offered much insight into my own attitudes and struggles. Because of the book I am concentrating on a couple of areas within myself that I did not realize needed work. Despite feeling overwhelmed with my own symptoms I find that I am more self-compassionate and that I am accepting myself where I am right now because I understand more fully where I came from.

I would like to mention that this is a difficult book to read because the reader will most likely find herself grieving the loss of her childhood once again. She may also have to deal with extreme anger towards her parents. If the reader is unable to communicate with her parents this anger can surface in other ways. I would like to stress, however, that it is definitely worth the emotional upheaval to read this book and that the help one will receive definitely outweighs the difficulty. I highly recommend this book for anyone who was not permitted to have a normal and safe childhood due to parents or caretakers who were unable to fill their roles maturely.

Patti Brown
08/04/04
Patti:

"Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story." Tolson, Lynn C. Bloomington, IN: First Books. 2003.

Over and over, while reading this book, I had the uncanny feeling I was reading my own story. The unhealthy thought processes, self-destructive and self-debasing tendencies, the hopelessness and despair the author describes, were completely familiar. For that reason I found this book incredibly validating. Lynn's book assured me, more than any I've ever read, I am not alone. Her use of actual therapy sessions was creative and beneficial. She kept my attention from the very beginning. Beyond the Tears will have the reader in tears at times, and some of the experiences are difficult to read because they are so real and heartbreaking. But reading this book is an adventure that is well worth the time. For all who have suffered any kind of abuse or have come from dysfunctional families, this book will be a tremendous help.

Beyond the Tears offers hope to all who are seeking healing. Those who suffer from trauma-related struggles will find compassion and courage. I heartily recommend it to all our support pals and all who visit the GFW site. As Lynn's title suggests, she truly is a survivor and her story assures us that we can be as well.

Patti Brown, 2/14/07
Patti:

"Rising From the Ashes: A Spiritual Healing Through Poetry." by Jolainne BoRienne, (Amazon rating 5 stars). $19.99.


This lovely book is a compilation of poetry written from an author who suffered childhood abuse. She also was a teacher of children for many years and has probably seen numerous other children coming from dysfunction homes with their wounded spirits. Her poetry is beautifully descriptive of the pain, loneliness and struggles that come from an abusive past, yet they are resplendent with hope and courage. This is another bedside book, or good meditational and devotional book. One may read a poem at night before bed, or perhaps upon waking in the morning. I found it particularly helpful on those mornings after a restless night of bad dreams. The poems express very well the struggles of PTSD and I found validation and understanding in Jolainne's words.

I believe all of our support pals will find comfort, validation and inspiration from this book. I constantly found myself feeling familiarity in the author's words and knew that this was someone who understood the struggles of PTSD. I highly recommend Rising From the Ashes for our group and for friends or family who have suffered trauma.
Cindy Lou:


Titles:

"A Child Called It: One Child's Courage to Survive." by Dave Pelzer. (Amazon rating 4.5 stars). $9.95.
"The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family." by Dave Pelzer. (Amazon rating 5 stars). $10.36.
"A Man Named Dave: A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness." by Dave Pelzer. (Amazon rating 4.5 stars). $9.6.


Dave Pelzer has an amazing tale to tell (don't we all) and has told it. You can follow him through his childhood journey in the first book of his series. "A Child Called It" recaps his childhood living in an extremely abusive home. When his case was found out it was classified for a time as the most extreme case of child abuse during that time period in California!!! The book ends in his escape from the home and leads into the second book "The Lost Boy" which talks of his time in foster care and his continued search for healing from such a horrendous childhood. Leading up to the third book "A Man Named Dave" in which he speaks of his adulthood and the trials he faces as he searches to get past those things his mother did to him. Dave Pelzer doesn't give advice or suggest healing in these books... they are strictly his journey. However, it's interesting to read all three books so that by the end of the third you can read how he does finally arrive at a place of healing and peace. Dave Pelzer currently travels and does public speaking on the horrors he faced and his journey to recovery.
Joyce:

"Kids Helping Kids (Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse)" by Linda Lee Foltz. (Amazon rating 5 stars). $14.93.


This is an excellent book for children to read with a supportive and safe adult. Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul said "an inspiring book of strength, These stories offer comfort, hope and the amazing power of healing." These true life stories will give the reader an insight into the world of child sexual abuse from the child's point of view. The author interviewed hundreds of kids for this book. Parents need to be vigilant when it comes to sexual abuse of their children. It could be the next door neighbor, a friend and a family member. It empower kids to speak out. It teaches adults what signs to look for. The Author, Linda Lee Foltz healed after her childhood sexual abuse and wanted to help other children. She wants them to know they can heal and fight back. Kids like to learn from each other. In the book, kids give practical and comforting advice to other kids going through sexual abuse.


* "Chicken Soup for the Soul" by Jack Canfield. (Amazon rating 4.5 stars). $10.61.
*
Compassion Fatigue:
Joyce:

"Compassion Fatigue in the Animal-Care Community" by Charles R. Figley, Ph.D. and Robert G. Roop, Ph.D. (Amazon rating 5 stars). $19.95.


"Compassion Fatigue in the Animal-Care Community" is a supportive book for those in the animal care industry, particularly those who work in shelters and see a lot of abused and sick and lonely animals.

Animal Care workers are vulnerable to Compassion Fatigue, a form of PTSD., physical, mental and emotional exhaustion because of their unique job stresses. Job stresses include very ill animals, euthenasia, not enough time, lack of team work, and at times difficult pet owners.

This book explains what Compassion Fatigue is, how it is different than Burnout, and how to measure that against Compassion Satisfaction. What are the stressors that can lead to compassion fatigue? What can you do about it if you see it in yourself and others? This book by psychologists, Figley & Roop present self help resources, exercises, suggestions and tips to help yourself and your co-workers.

The book is sensitively written and extremely respectful to those who entered the field in the first place because they love animals. They don't always feel that their work is valued and this book encourages the self-care they deserve. This book would be useful for those entering veterinary schools, animal care managers, shelter employees and volunteers. P.S. This would be a wonderful book for people in the helping profession not just the animal community.
Culture, Ethnicity and Healing:
Joyce:

"Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting," by Terrie M. Williams. (Amazon rating 4.5 stars). $16.50.


This remarkable book written by Terrie M Williams is a sanctuary for Black people who want to understand the importance of being diagnosed correctly for depression. And if you are depressed please take the time to read the stories, information and resources Terrie provides. Hope and help are available. You are not alone, many other women and men feel emotional pain and have been keeping it a guarded secret. You don't have to anymore.

Terrie is a clinical social worker who reveals her own deep and personal struggle and long painful recovery from depression. I think Terrie is a role model. Terrie figured out how to help herself and that support network included friends, family and Church. You might like to consider starting with your pastor if you need help and hopefully your pastor will recommend additional outside resources. Terrie also reminds us that if your Church is not embracing the concept of counseling and therapy then you need to take control of your mental health. This book will help you in that endeavor.

The book is filled with poignant and inspirational stories that include people you wouldn't think would be depressed (celebrities)and regular folks who talk of their struggles with some coming close to suicide. The book is also gloriously sprinkled with references, short stories, and information from mental health practitioners and pastoral counselors. Terrie knows that prayer and faith are very important in your healing and recovery from depression but you also need to find a good therapist or support group. She shares wonderful metaphors to help explain why we need to be mindful of our mental health. For example, if a loved one has a physical illness you would recommend they see a doctor or a specialist. If you are depressed it makes sense to consult with a therapist or counselor. Like physical illnesses, mental disorders can be treated.

I highly recommend this book for those who are battling depression. Supporters will also learn a great deal of how to be an effective caregiver. It's friendly, respectful, informational and timely.
Depression:
Joyce:

"How You Can Survive When They're Depressed: Living and Coping With Depression Fallout" by Anne Sheffield. (Amazon rating 4.5 stars). $10.61.


This book is perfect for the family and loved ones of depressives and those who are manic depressives. There are so many family members who have to endure the abuse and the chaos brought about by the illness of a family member. A lot of time, the families are treated like caretakers rather than people with feelings and their own lives. If the relationship between the loved one and the depressive or manic depressive is abusive, the loved one may lose their own self esteem. If the depressive is constantly fighting and putting you down with insults and remarks that can be extremely demoralizing. The family member is vulnerable to depression. This book is excellent for explaining and giving examples of self care. How you can protect yourself from "it," it being the illness. It also talks about how to start a support group if none exists in your area. It goes over issues like how to find a good therapist, boundaries, medicine, treatment options. But most of all it is about self care so you can go on taking care of the ill person in your life and still have a life.

"Sorrow's Web: Hope, Help and Understanding For Depressed Mothers and Their Children" by Anne Sheffield. (Amazon rating 5 stars). $13.00.


This is the second book of Ann Sheffield's that I've read. She is a master of putting into layperson's terms the enormous amount of research on the reactions of children to mothers who are depressed. She uses her only life as an example including what her mother's depression and how that was passed onto her daughter, Pandora. It is touching and educational and makes again think about what you can do and even the simple things you can do to help yourself or another mother or child being raised by a depressed woman. Ms. Sheffield gives many examples of the negative effects that depression can have on sons and daughters and gives a lot of wonderful advice that may not be easy to follow but is certainly worthwhile. What I really like about what she says it the implication that it is never too late to get help and to reengage with your children. And to also help them since many times the depression gets passed onto them.
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Domestic Violence:
Patti:


"Color Me Butterfly: A True Story of Courage, Hope, Transformation" by L.Y. Marlow. Bowie, Maryland: e'L publishing: 2007. (Amazon rating 5 stars). $10.17.


This touching book tells the heartbreaking story of four generations of African American women who faced domestic abuse. The book, which spans 60 years, is disturbing and deeply moving. It portrays in a graphic and sobering way how domestic abuse affects not only the women being battered but also makes victims of the children who are involved, even if they are not physically battered as well. We all know that not only can a person who is a victim of violence develop PTSD, but also those who are forced to observe the act or acts of violence. The fear, the helplessness, the shock and confusion of the women as well as the children in Marlow's book will stay with you long after you have read the last page of her story.

Marlow's story is complimented by many photographs of those about whom she writes, as well as poetry that will grip your soul. I want to make it clear that this book, although sad, is not a story of defeat and not a book that will leave the reader depressed. In spite of the darkness of the theme of the book, I must say that it is a book that erupts with faith, hope, courage and love. I found myself looking at the characters involved in this story as definite heroes. I know that you will all enjoy this book and I highly recommend it to our support family and all who visit our website. I know it will inspire you and also encourage those who read to continue the fight for justice and help for those ensnared in the web of family violence.

Because of the author's purpose of raising awareness about domestic abuse, I feel she would want me to mention her wonderful website for those in this difficult situation and those who want to help someone who is being abused:

www.colormebutterfly.com
Patti:


Latus, Janine. "If I Am Missing or Dead: A Sister's Story of Love, Murder, and Liberation." New York: Simon & Schuster. 2007. $5.99.


This true story chronicles the story of Janine's sister's (Amy's) dysfunctional relationship and ultimate murder by an abusive partner, while also describing the harsh reality of her own struggle with an abusive husband. Having lived the nightmare of domestic abuse, I found myself feeling that I was reading my own story. Janine has a great talent for describing not only the acts of abuse but the dynamics and emotions behind the abuse and the brutal effects on her, her sister, and all women who suffer behind closed doors. More importantly, she portrays so clearly why women end up in such relationships and why they find it difficult to leave, clearly describing the ties between a dysfunctional upbringing and the later relationships a woman finds herself woven into.

I highly recommend this book for all support pals, because it deals with relationships. Even those who are not victims of domestic abuse will find it helpful because it can bring to light how others in their lives may be controlling and abusive. For those who are currently in abusive domestic relationships, or know someone else who is, I would definitely say this book would be extremely helpful. The author's insight is priceless and her compassionate way of portraying all those involved in this tragedy is touching and real. I often see books given stars when they are reviewed for Amazon.com. I would definitely give this book the full allotment of stars available.
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