Stress is generally known to be, a part of life, but the Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD) is very troublesome. It needs treatment, instead of allowing the victims to suffer for years. These traumatic events have overwhelming effects on us, and we can’t just control them. These leave the persons, completely shattered. If not treated, these may cause nightmares, past memories, inadequate relaxation etc. Sexual abuse, physical abuse, combat, disasters and addictive behaviours etc. fall in this category. Ten Chapters contained in three parts, aided with three appendices and Chapter wise select readings (total 120), make the readers understand PSTD, signs of distress, linkages to addictive behavior, and actions which can be taken, for recovering and restarting normal life. Part one gives a review of the nature of PTSD. Part two gives details of the recent understanding of the various such events. There are many common things, amongst the victims of such events. Part three provides, specific methods for healing and recovery of the victims, through medicine and psychology. The book presents many true case studies or examples, to illustrate the concepts and the experience. The select readings list is exhaustive, so that those interested, may go deep into any particular aspects of it. A study of some of these will help, in reducing the suffering of human beings. Whatever be the age, traumas affect the victims very hard, but for such painful memories also, help is available and should be taken to restart joys in life again, even though it is a complex matter, since it has severe effect on overall health and personality of an individual. The appendix A, gives details of the Stress Management And Relaxation training (SMART) programme. Appendix B gives relaxation exercises for victims. Appendix C gives thoughts for the caregivers.
One of the Chapters discusses about, the help for victims of PTSD for their recovery. In life, destiny has not given a fair treatment to some persons. The author lists four goals for recovery, i.e. reduced physiological arousal, reasonable mastery, caring attachments and meaning purpose to life. Thereafter he outlines, six effective steps for treatment, separately for acute
trauma and chronic trauma, namely safety first, no substance abuse or addictive behavior, restore reasonable mastery, maintaining caring attachments, tone down the emergency mobilization systems, and making meaning of the violence. It is hoped that, with these six steps, one can return to normal living. Besides the individual efforts, groups are very helpful, for recovery, acceptance and development. Such persons can achieve peace and balance, with time and patience. Another Chapter discusses in detail, about getting recovery with the help from family and friends. It is a good resource book for the victims of traumas, provides information, number of case studies and offers advice to the victims for improvement, instead of their becoming helpless persons. It is a good guide book for victim’s healing and recovery, but not a substitute for medical examination and advice. It is useful for every adult person, whether a victim or not, so that he does not become a victim, does not make others victims, and can help victims and others.