Christian PTSD - Recommended Reading and Resources from a Senior Pastor and Counselor
New! For the first time in many years, Pastor Roland has just made a beautiful new meditation for stress, anxiety and PTSD. The meditation and reading resources are free (donation suggested).Hi, my name is Roland Trujillo PhD. I am a pastor and counselor. I would like to recommend four books.
These four book, all page turners which I highly recommend you buy or get from your library, have a common theme-- victory over their mental health issues. They also have common methodologies--getting busy, helping others, overcoming physical obstacles (like climbing a mountain or running a race), and, I think, for three of the four having experienced the touch of God.
These four guys also had a fighting spirit, even a rebellious one, which somehow held them in good stead.
The first book I would like to recommend is Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, the Louis Zamperini story, by Laura Hillenbrand.
In case you don't know, she is the author of Seabiscuit (from her story they made the movie Seabiscuit). This book is very popular. It is a good story. It is inspirational. Its author is also famous. It's a great World War II story.
But don't overlook a very, very important fact-- Louis Zamperini completely recovered from PTSD. This is very important. And it's not just a story - it is a true real life story
I'm going to repeat it one more time to make sure it does not get lost in the shuffle:
Don't overlook a very, very important fact-- Louis Zamperini completely recovered from PTSD. This is very important. And it's not just a story - it is a true real life story.
Nor did he merely survive, he fully recovered.
Louis was held as a prisoner of war in a slave labor camp in World War II. Starving for months, he developed beriberi, dysentery, and scurvy. But the worst part is that he was beaten viciously by a sadistic prison officer, and he was beaten every day for months. He saw others tortured and die, even as he himself was about to die from starvation, disease, and daily beatings with fists, clubs, and belt buckles.
After the war, he suffered post traumatic stress disorder, started drinking and was getting worse and worse. I won't tell you the whole story so you can read it yourself (I got the book at the free public library). Here's the thing. He was confronted by someone who brought a Christian message. He began to see that he was full of hate. He encountered the God of conscience.
He let go of the hate, had a change of heart, and he never again had a flashback. In my opinion, this rapid and complete repair had little to do with the particular individual who brought the message, but was the result of an inner action on the soul. The messenger was the catalyst; the repair was the work of God upon a soul ready and receptive to repent.
Today he is in his 90's, still active and moving forward.
I forgot to mention: he got active speaking to others and bringing a positive message. He also started an outdoor camp for wayward boys.
The touch of God, a change of heart, getting out of self preoccupation, helping others, being active - an unbeatable combination.
Med Head: My Knock Down, Drag Out, Drugged Up Battle with my Brain is the true story page turner, told in the first person, of a kid diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome and OCD. He was given a bunch of meds "let's try this and see if it works." And when he had horrible side effects, time and again, unbelievably, the dose was often increased. He eventually recovers thanks to an outdoor camp and outdoor adventures (like climbing a mountain) where he discovered that he can have some control over mental issues. This inspirational story is a must read for parents and kids who want to be informed.
When people feel depressed or unhappy, they are often given the advice to get out and do something. I agree.
In the book I co-authored Mike's Story: How I Overcame Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, OCD and Other Issues Without Drugs I recall that Mike says that when he was around 30 years old he was so depressed he could hardly leave his apartment. Finally, he dragged himself to one community college course, and it was that small beginning of doing that one thing that launched him back into an active and successful life.
Mike's Story “How I overcame depression,
bipolar, OCD, anxiety and other
issues without drugs”
is now available in eBook to download to your computer, read online, or download to your mobile device right now!
Mike’s Story “How I overcame depression,
bipolar, OCD, anxiety and other
issues without drugs.” is the powerful personal testimony of someone
who overcame mental health and other issues and went on to
enjoy a successful, productive life.
Mike tells you about his childhood:
the traumas,
the obsessions
and compulsions,
his shyness and bipolar.
Mike tells you about his twenties: the
depression, the doubts and the fears.
You will hear him talk about how Zorro and Colombo helped him get through.
You’ll find out what the Zen Master said.
You’ll read about Mike’s close call with Dr. Rough Handling.
Mike loves to philosophize about life, love,
and he likes Frank Sinatra too.
For each stage of his life he reveals how he moved on and left the issues behind.
Mike saves the best for last:
How he found his
spiritual roots with the help of meditation,
a change of heart,
and a hug and a kick in the pants from God.
Preview now
Roland Trujillo, pastor, mentor and spiritual
director, is the author of 12 books. His popular self
help radio program has aired on both secular and
Christian radio stations around the country for 22
years.
“I love helping people improve their
relationships, overcome personal issues and find
their spiritual roots. People get stuck, and they need
someone who thinks outside the box to help
them look at life with fresh eyes.
People are resilient and can make progress in a very short amount of time.
Sometimes all it takes is an insight or two,
a little meditation to get centered, and knowing that there is someone
who has love, and who both understands
and can help. That’s all.
Read excerpts from Chapter One
Here is an letter written by someone who gets it. He overcame anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. In this letter, he comments on the verse from the Psalms and then tells of his recovery journey. He gave me permission to share his letter but asked that I only use his first name, Michael. I hope someone will be inspired to give our free spiritual
meditation a try. All I can say is "Thanks, Mike." Roland
Hello, my name is Michael.
I love this verse from the Psalms.
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
Psalm 112:7 (English Standard Version).
It sounds good, doesn't it? But the question is: how do you get to where you have such a firm heart and settled spirit?
It took me a long time to get to where I could understand and say something about having a firm heart and settled spirit. I was Mr. Jellyfish.
But here’s the good news: if I can do it, anyone can do it. It took me 40 years, but that was because it took 40 years for me to get to the point where I was ready. Once you’re ready, recovery can begin in a heartbeat.
And it doesn’t have to take 40 years to be ready. You can be ready in this instant regardless of your age, if your heart is pure and you are sincere.
Here's my story. Let's begin with a few thoughts about anxiety and some observations about life and how I started to recover. . . . .
When you are in a tight golf match and it's the 18th hole and you have to make a knee knocking three foot putt, what do you do? You suck it up, get a bucket full of guts, and even though your knees are knocking, you attempt the putt.
Let's say you're a plumber and a client has a major break in a pipe under their house that has to be dealt with now. Do you become upset or angry and call a time out and make the client go to his room because you can't cope? No, you deal with the situation, even though you don't feel like
it. . . . . .
Here is an letter written by someone who gets it. He overcame anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. In this letter, he comments on the verse from the Psalms and then tells of his recovery journey. He gave me permission to share his letter but asked that I only use his first name, Michael. I hope someone will be inspired to give our free spiritual
meditation a try. All I can say is "Thanks, Mike." RolandHello, my name is Michael.
I love this verse from the Psalms.
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
Psalm 112:7 (English Standard Version).
It sounds good, doesn't it? But the question is: how do you get to where you have such a firm heart and settled spirit?
It took me a long time to get to where I could understand and say something about having a firm heart and settled spirit. I was Mr. Jellyfish.
But here’s the good news: if I can do it, anyone can do it. It took me 40 years, but that was because it took 40 years for me to get to the point where I was ready. Once you’re ready, recovery can begin in a heartbeat.
And it doesn’t have to take 40 years to be ready. You can be ready in this instant regardless of your age, if your heart is pure and you are sincere.
Here's my story. Let's begin with a few thoughts about anxiety and some observations about life and how I started to recover. . . . .
When you are in a tight golf match and it's the 18th hole and you have to make a knee knocking three foot putt, what do you do? You suck it up, get a bucket full of guts, and even though your knees are knocking, you attempt the putt.
Let's say you're a plumber and a client has a major break in a pipe under their house that has to be dealt with now. Do you become upset or angry and call a time out and make the client go to his room because you can't cope? No, you deal with the situation, even though you don't feel like
it. . . . . .I have discovered that the secret to life is in overlooking.
You have anxiety, but overlook it. In other words, instead of struggling with, suppressing or trying to get rid of the anxiety, you overlook it.
Someone makes a mistake, but you overlook it (instead of judging or resenting them). You have doubts, but you overlook them (instead of dwelling on them).
You feel anger (at your child, for example), but you overlook it (and remain calm).
There are many good things I could say about overlooking. How it helps us overcome anxiety, doubts, fears, negative emotion; and how it helps us be more patient with others. But for now, I will mention it in passing. Later I will talk about the meditation (that Roland offers) and how it helps you learn to overlook. . . . . .
Instead of living and teaching the value of doing what is right and overlooking anxiety or negative emotion, they first seek to get rid of the anxiety or negative emotion. This is putting the cart before the horse.
We triumph as humans when we overcome anxiety or negative emotions through doing what is right and being virtuous.
In other words, a true human gives the food to their child even though they themselves are hungry. A true human does the right thing despite fear. He tells the truth, though he is made to feel uncomfortable. She acts calmly for the sake of others, despite anxiety. He says no to temptation despite having feelings of lust or greed. . . .
There are many good things I could say about overlooking. How it helps us overcome anxiety, doubts, fears, negative emotion; and how it helps us be more patient with others. But for now, I will mention it in passing. Later I will talk about the meditation (that Roland offers) and how it helps you learn to overlook. . . . . .
Instead of living and teaching the value of doing what is right and overlooking anxiety or negative emotion, they first seek to get rid of the anxiety or negative emotion. This is putting the cart before the horse.
We triumph as humans when we overcome anxiety or negative emotions through doing what is right and being virtuous.
In other words, a true human gives the food to their child even though they themselves are hungry. A true human does the right thing despite fear. He tells the truth, though he is made to feel uncomfortable. She acts calmly for the sake of others, despite anxiety. He says no to temptation despite having feelings of lust or greed. . . .
Remember it took 80 years for Moses to be made ready to lead his people out of Egypt.
So you might as well be prepared for a long period of just being a regular person. But you can start to get ready for the touch of God which may come someday by living with some dignity, some honor, some self control, some discipline where you are right now.
And by exercising virtue, it will grow, and you will increase in composure and self control. No, you won't walk on water--but by exercising virtue, you'll begin to face things with at least a modicum of natural poise, and it will grow.
Therefore do not mind it if you encounter some difficulty. Do not become resentful if you have some ups and downs, some rain on your parade, a boyfriend or girlfriend who quits you, a job you don't get, a day when you don't feel particularly good or some anxiety if you have to give a speech. . . .
So start to face some things today. And like I said, don't expect to get it just right from the start. Take it easy. Rome wasn't built in a day. Don't look for perfection. Look for progress. And here's a word of caution: start with the small stuff. . . .
Remember how I said that we have been made self conscious in many ways? Okay. So don't hate yourself if you meet a moment badly. In my life, I've messed up, made a fool of myself, cut and run, let my team down, copped out, and many other small but shameful failings. I failed and then reacted badly to what I was forced to see about myself.
But as time went by (as years went by) I learned to fail less. And I also learned to react badly less to my failings. In other words, I began to grow up, and I'm still growing up.
When I was 10, 15, 20, 30 years old, did I have anxiety? Of course. Did I get depressed? Of course.
When my parents got divorced, it bothered me. When my dad died, it made me sad. When my parakeet died, I felt bad. What was I supposed to do, be happy about these things? I grieved and felt hurt and then I got over it.
When I was a little kid, did I go through a spell where I had to do a ritual of counting numbers or arrange my shoes perfectly at night or else "something really bad would happen?" Of course. Then I grew out of it.
When I was in college, was I high and hyper when something good happened and stayed up till dawn talking to my friends? Then did I crash when a bunch of things went wrong? Naturally.
When I was in my 20's did I wonder who I was and if there was a future for me? Did I mess up, and make mistakes? Sure.
And then did something try to tell me I was "worthless" and that "the world would be better off without me?" Of course.
When I was 30 and sitting in a lonely apartment in the outskirts of Chicago, with the snow coming down and nowhere to go and wishing I were back in California, did I feel depressed? Of course.
But here I am. I got through."
Read about how Mike had all the symptoms of ADHD and what, thank God, his parents did and did not do.
Mike tells about his depression around age 30, and how listening to the radio helped him overcome it.
Mike talks about meditation and how it has helped him.
Find out how Mike is doing now.
And much more.
____________________________
.
So you might as well be prepared for a long period of just being a regular person. But you can start to get ready for the touch of God which may come someday by living with some dignity, some honor, some self control, some discipline where you are right now.
And by exercising virtue, it will grow, and you will increase in composure and self control. No, you won't walk on water--but by exercising virtue, you'll begin to face things with at least a modicum of natural poise, and it will grow.
Therefore do not mind it if you encounter some difficulty. Do not become resentful if you have some ups and downs, some rain on your parade, a boyfriend or girlfriend who quits you, a job you don't get, a day when you don't feel particularly good or some anxiety if you have to give a speech. . . .
So start to face some things today. And like I said, don't expect to get it just right from the start. Take it easy. Rome wasn't built in a day. Don't look for perfection. Look for progress. And here's a word of caution: start with the small stuff. . . .
Remember how I said that we have been made self conscious in many ways? Okay. So don't hate yourself if you meet a moment badly. In my life, I've messed up, made a fool of myself, cut and run, let my team down, copped out, and many other small but shameful failings. I failed and then reacted badly to what I was forced to see about myself.
But as time went by (as years went by) I learned to fail less. And I also learned to react badly less to my failings. In other words, I began to grow up, and I'm still growing up.
When I was 10, 15, 20, 30 years old, did I have anxiety? Of course. Did I get depressed? Of course.
When my parents got divorced, it bothered me. When my dad died, it made me sad. When my parakeet died, I felt bad. What was I supposed to do, be happy about these things? I grieved and felt hurt and then I got over it.
When I was a little kid, did I go through a spell where I had to do a ritual of counting numbers or arrange my shoes perfectly at night or else "something really bad would happen?" Of course. Then I grew out of it.
When I was in college, was I high and hyper when something good happened and stayed up till dawn talking to my friends? Then did I crash when a bunch of things went wrong? Naturally.
When I was in my 20's did I wonder who I was and if there was a future for me? Did I mess up, and make mistakes? Sure.
And then did something try to tell me I was "worthless" and that "the world would be better off without me?" Of course.
When I was 30 and sitting in a lonely apartment in the outskirts of Chicago, with the snow coming down and nowhere to go and wishing I were back in California, did I feel depressed? Of course.
But here I am. I got through."
Read about how Mike had all the symptoms of ADHD and what, thank God, his parents did and did not do.
Mike tells about his depression around age 30, and how listening to the radio helped him overcome it.
Mike talks about meditation and how it has helped him.
Find out how Mike is doing now.
And much more.
____________________________
.
Special Offer:
For a donation of $10, we will send you a pdf of Mike's Story by email.
Your gift helps Roland help others. And you will benefit from this ground breaking new self help book. Preview the book and read more about getting the pdf today
_________________________
Two other excellent books come to mind. First, The Day the Voices Stopped: a Schizophrenic's Journey from Madness by Ken Steele, a famous advocate for people with mental health issues and who have been diagnosed with a mental illness.
The author and advocate, himself diagnosed with schizophrenia, after years of torment, mental fog, treatments and side effects, says that one day his voices just stopped. He attributes it to a new drug he took.
But I also noted that he had recently begun to work really hard on an advocacy program for patients like himself. He eventually became a famous and effective advocate for people with mental health issues.
He got out of himself and began helping others. He did something and what he did was good and helpful to others. He found a purpose in life that transcended his own issues.
I am only speculating, but I strongly suspect that the Good Lord placed an injunction against these malicious voices and held them in abeyance, perhaps because of Steele's new love for helping others or for some other reason (prayer, for example).
But his relief could also be something as simple as the fact that Steele forgot self, stopped self obsessing, and began thinking only of others. These voices get to us when we are all caught up in ourselves--resentful, ambitious, or overly concerned about ourselves, and they tempt us to make decisions, do foolish things or become paranoid. They then prey upon our guilt with all manner of negative suggestions and try to convince us that we are responsible for whatever bad things might happen (again, do you see the egotism they are capitalizing on?).
It could be that when we stop being concerned about our guilts and fears, the voices have nothing more to tempt us with, and so they go bother someone else.
Anyway, back to the Med Head book. It's great. Highly recommended.
The following is a brief excerpt from the review on the Amazon page.
From Booklist
This youth edition of Against Medical Advice (2008) . . . . . the story of the medical tribulations of young Cory Friedman, son of co-author Friedman. . . . . A first-person voice gets inside the head of Cory, who we met as a four-year-old recently prescribed Ritalin. It is the beginning of a grueling 13-year saga that is as much a struggle against Tourette’s as it is an endless war drug cocktails wage inside his body. His condition is alarming: OCD impulses create violent tics that sometimes knock him over or compel him to grab the steering wheels of moving cars. Soon the happy child becomes a slave to capricious masters by the names of Paxil, Risperdal, Klonopin, and more. . . . . It’s hard to deny the power of this story, though, or its ultimate inspirational effect. Grades 7-10. --Daniel Kraus
I hope that if you have any interest in PTSD, schizophrenia, OCD, Tourettes, or mental health recovery in general, that you read at least one of these books. Being told in the form of a story, they are really good reads.
Find out more about a meditation for PTSD and free educational resources for PTSD
Spiritual Healing for Broken People now available in quality paperback at CafePressGenre: Advice & Self-Help
Paperback: 352 pages
Price $26.00
Description: In Roland's new book, he explores some of the deepest secrets of how to refind your natural state of well being.
Synopsis:
We all know that our attitude determines our altitude. We sink to the depths of doubt and despair when we have become resentful toward others or when we doubt God's Divine Providence. Someone or something on the outside upset us and separated us from our spiritual roots. We began to flounder, and always we looked for the answer on the outside. But the secret to spiritual recovery is to be found within.
By reconciling with conscience and learning to be more forgiving toward others, our natural restorative properties are unblocked and we let go of our toxic relationships with wrong associations and substances. Scientists and doctors are becoming more and more aware of the subtle relationship between mind and body. It stands to reason that if we are negatively affected by something or someone on the outside, it might affect our mind through our body, or affect our body through our mind. But if we could find our center of dignity and flow from it, the inner good through the soul could affect our mind, our body, and then positively affect our lives and the lives of others. Learn how to flow from within instead of reacting.
When you are not resentful and upset, you will be able to be patient with others, make wiser decisions, and become empowered.
Chapter titles include: the soul's recuperative powers; healing and energy; how emotions make us sick; the meaning of suffering; of myself I can do nothing; the secret to life is in response
Product Details:
· Paperback: 352 pages
· Binding: Perfect
· Published: June 2009
· Product Number: 030-392148280
Roland Trujillo MS PhD BCPC, ordained pastor and the author of 10 books, has been helping people cope with stress for over 20 years.
"The finest personal pastoral counseling service on the web today."
