For the millions who suffer from the effects of a traumatic experience, this book offers help and hope and provides the diverse elements needed for lasting recovery. Trauma can take many forms, from the most disturbing of circumstances such as witnessing a murder or violent crime to the subtle trauma of living with the effects of abuse or alcoholism. Deep emotional wounds often seem like they will never heal, but Schiraldi has helped and witnessed survivors recover, grow, and find happiness.<P>By helping people recognize the coping mechanisms and by dealing directly with the effects of a traumatic experience, there is a great reason for hope. "The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook" is a guide for both survivors and their loved ones, helping them to see that on the other side of their pain is recovery and growth.Explains the psychic defenses that can go into effect to protect a victim from further emotional harmProvides information on triggers and the debilitating effects of post-traumatic stress disorderAddresses how the healing process can begin and how fear diminishes through a variety of medic and nonmedicinal treatment methods

Describes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its baffling symptoms, and describes a range of options for self-managing symptoms, from breathing retraining to anger management techniques. Details a wide variety of treatment techniques, and gives advice on coping with setbacks and exploring positive aspects of life, such as intimacy, pleasure, and humor. Includes a list of agencies and support groups. The author has served on the stress management faculties at the Pentagon and the University of Maryland, and has written several books on mental and physical health.
Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

A guidebook for those suffering from a traumatic experience provides information on coping mechanisms, emotional triggers, and the mental defenses that offer protection from future harm.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [404]-431) and index.

Glenn R. Schiraldi, Ph.D., has served on the stress management faculty at the U.S. Pentagon and the University of Maryland, where he received the Outstanding Teacher Award in the College of Health and Human Performance. He is the author of various articles and books on human mental and physical health, including Conquer Anxiety, Worry and Nervous Fatigue: A Guide to Greater Peace; Hope and Help for Depression: A Practical Guide; Facts to Relax By: A Guide to Relaxation and Stress Reduction; and Building Self-Esteem: A 125-Day Program. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Depression and Related Affective Disorders Association. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, and holds graduate degrees in Health Education from Brigham Young University and the University of Maryland.

Part I: About PTSD

Chapter 1. PTSD Basics

Chapter 2. Making Sense of the Bewildering Symptoms: Understanding Anxiety and Dissociation

Chapter 3. Associated Features

Chapter 4. Frequently Asked Questions

Part II: About Healing, Recovery, Growth

Chapter 5. Principles of Healing, Recovery, and Growth

Chapter 6. Treatment Approaches: Professional, Medication, Group, and Self-Managed

Part III: Preparations

Chapter 7. Stabilization and Balance

Chapter 8. Taking Care of Your Health

Part IV: Managing Symptoms

Chapter 9. Affect Management

Chapter 10. Reducing General Arousal

Chapter 11. Breathing Retraining

Chapter 12. About Relaxation

Chapter 13. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Chapter 14. Autogenic Training

Chapter 15. Meditation

Chapter 16. Managing Anger

Chapter 17. Eye Movement

Chapter 18. Intrusion Management

Part V: Treatment

Chapter 19. Principles of Memory Work

Chapter 20. Cognitive Restructuring

Chapter 21. Confiding Concealed Wounds

Chapter 22. Resolving Guilt

Chapter 23. Thought Field Therapy

Chapter 24. The Rewind Technique

Chapter 25. Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR)

Chapter 26. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Chapter 27. The Counting Method

Chapter 28. Dream Management and Processing

Chapter 29. Healing Imagery

Chapter 30. Healing Rituals

Chapter 31. Grieving Losses

Chapter 32. Making Sense of Trauma: Coming to Terms with Suffering

Chapter 33. Hypnosis

Chapter 34. Expressive Art Therapies

Chapter 35. Life Review

Chapter 36. Building Self-Esteem

Chapter 37. Unfinished Business: Resolving Anger

Chapter 38. Prolonged Exposure

Chapter 39. Complementary Approaches

Part VI: Moving On

Chapter 40. Transitioning

Chapter 41. Intimacy and Sexuality

Chapter 42. Meaning and Purpose

Chapter 43. Spiritual and Religious Growth

Chapter 44. Happiness, Pleasure, and Humor

Chapter 45. Relapse Prevention

Chapter 46. Summing Up

Appendices

Appendix 1. The History of PTSD

Appendix 2. Assessing Abuse

Appendix 3. The Brain and Memory

Appendix 4. Psychiatric Disorders

Appendix 5. 72-Hour Emergency Preparedness

Appendix 6. Time Management

Appendix 7. Rape and Sexual Assault Facts and Myths

Appendix 8. Medication Facts and Guidelines

Appendix 9. Victim, Survivor, Thriver

Appendix 10. Resources