Love Our Vets – Restoring Hope for Families of Veterans wit PTSD
By: Welby O’Brien
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake
Comfort, Encouragement, and Practical Help – Answers for the Hard Questions Faced by Families Impacted by PTSD
As the wife of a disabled veteran Welby O’Brien understands what it means to experience the day to day struggles faced by those living with loved ones plagued by PTSD. “Love Our Vets” is written to provide relief, practical help and support for these families.
The book is divided into three parts: Reaffirm, replenish, and reflect. Additional features include a valuable group discussion guide, help for times of transition and vicarious trauma.
Part one uses a question and answer format to addresses sixty-four hard questions, topics based on issues and concerns from a number of people who share from their heart actual issues they are facing or have experienced in the pastThe questions address topics and concerns, such as: Dealing with misconceptions and stigmas, symptoms to watch for, dealing with frustration, anger and rage, family relationships, problems in the workplace, and many more.
Part Two addresses the subject of replenishing yourself; depleted of energy, tired, exhausted, and facing burn out, you need to be nurtured. O’Brien introduces a list of twenty-one needs you may be experiencing. These are presented in a survey format that will help you recognize personal areas of stress in your life. O’brien provides specific suggestions and tools to help through these hard times.
Part Three is made up of reflections from the lives of many who are dealing with PTSD. O’Brien writes realistically from her experiences as a caregiver, offering encouragement through heartfelt feelings of hope. She speaks of her personal faith and the importance of prayer. She provides the reader with insightful keys for building a spiritual foundation for finding, inner strength, and healing.
Timely, relevant, and important – Highly recommended.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own.
Deep River Books, PO Box 310, Sisters, OR 97759, 978-1940269597, $ 15.99, 2015, 224 pages