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Heal Holistically
UnTraumatized shares mental health techniques, spiritual principles, and your personal stories of God’s healing & recovery. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Sharing my experiences as a memoir helped me to process it and recover from the devastations of my past traumas. I also wanted to empower others as a Mental Health Counselor, how to heal holistically from crisis and trauma with hope and resilience.
Trauma can take various forms and impact each person differently. What ideas were important for you to share in this book so that it would be relatable to a wide audience?
Acknowledging a person’s pain and suffering to safe people and counselors and providing spiritual, professional, and personal knowledge for every reader to feel hope to heal.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
God is the ultimate healer of all pain, grief, and loss. He redeems us through His unconditional love, forgiveness, prayer, healing, and the support of family, friends, and counselors.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be published?
My next book focus is likely going to be about living a resilient life through the wisdom of God.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
UnTraumatized
Dr. Shon Shree Lewis’s book, UnTraumatized, delves into the multifaceted nature of crises and trauma, providing a comprehensive guide for understanding, coping, and healing. From personal anecdotes to professional insights, the author offers a detailed exploration of various crises, including personal, social, and natural disasters. The book’s structure, which spans from defining what constitutes a crisis to detailed recovery strategies, makes it an essential read for anyone looking to navigate the tumultuous waters of traumatic experiences.
Dr. Lewis’s writing is engaging, particularly because she intersperses professional advice with her personal stories. This combination adds a layer of authenticity and relatability that many purely academic texts lack. For instance, her candid recounting of experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and the emotional turmoil of her divorce brings a human touch to the book, making the theoretical concepts more tangible.
One of the sections I found most impactful was Chapter 8, “Coping with Trauma after Crisis,” where Dr. Lewis provides practical steps for managing trauma. Her advice is grounded in both psychological theory and spiritual wisdom, offering a holistic approach to healing. This chapter stands out because of its actionable advice, such as specific coping mechanisms and the importance of community support. The inclusion of biblical references might not resonate with all readers, but it undeniably enriches the content for those who appreciate spiritual guidance.
Another section I appreciated is Chapter 11, “Movie Reflections Dealing with Trauma,” which analyzes popular films through the lens of trauma and recovery. This unique approach not only makes the content more accessible but also demonstrates how pervasive and culturally significant trauma is. Dr. Lewis’s reflections provide a refreshing perspective on how media can influence our understanding of trauma and resilience.
UnTraumatized is an insightful resource for anyone dealing with trauma, whether directly or indirectly. Dr. Lewis’s blend of personal experience and professional knowledge offers a unique guide to understanding and overcoming trauma.
Pages: 166 | ASIN : B09MSCCZF1
Intergenerational Trauma
The Fragility of Light: A Young Woman’s Descent into Madness and Fight for Recovery follows a young woman who, after a series of personal losses, suffers a psychotic break and searches for a path of recovery. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My primary inspiration was to entertain and inform readers in a way that conveys empathy and compassion for those who suffer from serious mental illness. I also wanted to shed light on an underrepresented psychiatric disorder while illustrating a realistic clinical presentation and treatment process. In doing so, my hope was to illustrate that, with the right psychosocial treatment and medication, individuals who suffer from serious psychiatric disorders can still live meaningful, productive lives. Sunny struggles with feelings of shame because of her illness and because the people around her don’t fully understand the impacts of her condition.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about mental illness?
I believe there is a tendency to perceive mental and “physical” illness as somehow distinct and disconnected. In doing so, physical/medical illnesses are more generally regarded as beyond a person’s control—such as a diagnosis of cancer or diabetes. Mental illnesses, in contrast, are often seen more as a sign of weakness, rather than diseases with interacting environmental and biochemical causes. Viewing mental disorders in this way provides individuals with a sense of invulnerability (i.e., the “It can’t happen to me” mentality), while also imposing blame on those who suffer. This conceptualization, along with the belief that mentally ill people are dangerous (another misconception), intensifies associated stigma and deters treatment-seeking. For Sunny, accepting and not blaming herself for her disorder were formidable challenges in her recovery.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Stigma is a prevalent theme in the book, as Sunny initially associates schizophrenia with the severely destitute. She is deeply despondent about being branded with such a diagnosis, believing it signifies the end of her career and marriage. We also see how stigma affects Joshua in the workplace, Debbie’s beliefs about mental illness, and some of Elizabeth’s concerns for her best friend.
Intergenerational trauma takes two forms in the story: that which is experienced by descendants of Holocaust victims and that which is experienced by families with a lineage of mental illness. Grappling with both sources of trauma leaves Sunny vulnerable to various psychological difficulties. Peter also experiences intergenerational trauma as he conveys the embarrassment, confusion, and anxiety associated with being raised by two Holocaust survivors.
Consistent with the title, there is an overarching theme regarding the fragility of that which we often take for granted. Light is a metaphor for psychological well-being, contentment, and serenity. It also symbolizes peace and goodness. Those struggling with serious mental disorders, or those who have been robbed of their freedom, understand the pervasiveness of darkness. They understand the fragility of those things held most dear.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
A writer doesn’t always divulge such details 🙂 But, in keeping with my interests and expertise, I believe it will entail another realistic depiction of serious mental illness (not a psychotic disorder this time), delving into the complicated interaction of genes, personality, and environmental/family factors and their impact on adult symptomatology and functioning.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Sunny Zielinski is a beautiful and talented young woman with a promising future. A recent college graduate, Sunny has landed her dream job as a book editor and is soon to be married. Her close-knit family is her strength, particularly her fiercely loving grandparents-Holocaust survivors who helped to raise her.
Following two major losses, Sunny finds herself becoming unhinged. When she experiences her first psychotic break, she is plunged into a place of profound fear and confusion. As her delusions, hallucinations, and mood symptoms take over, Sunny traverses a harrowing journey into the depths of madness. Underlying her despair is the devastating delusion that she is being hunted by the Nazis.
As Sunny attempts to navigate her symptoms, she vacillates between understanding that she has a mental illness and being convinced that the doctors are conspiring against her. Adding to the narrative are Sunny’s relationships with her devoted family, her nebulous history with her mother, and the colorful and often tragic patients she meets along the way. Ultimately, love, determination, and hope emerge as salient aspects of Sunny’s recovery as she struggles to find her way out of the darkness.
Raven and the Hummingbird: A Healing Path to Recovery from Multiple Personality Disorder
Raven and the Hummingbird: A Healing Path to Recovery from Multiple Personality Disorder by Renate F. Caldwell is an insightful exploration into the complex world of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD). This book brings to life the experience of Joan, a 44-year-old woman living with 52 distinct personalities, a coping mechanism her mind created in response to the severe sexual abuse she endured as a child.
This story is rooted in a chance encounter in 2003, where Caldwell, serving as a substitute therapist at a church group, met a group of women who were seeking solace by sharing their burdens with one another. Among them was Joan, a silent figure sitting alone, whose tear-stained note led to a transformative five-year recovery journey.
What sets Raven and the Hummingbird apart is its authenticity. This is not a book steeped in theoretical frameworks or rooted in empirical research. Instead, it provides readers an intimate, unfiltered look at a challenging therapeutic journey. It invites readers to step into Caldwell’s shoes and witness the rollercoaster of Joan’s recovery, experiencing every triumph and setback along the way.
As a psychology student, I found the portrayal of Joan’s numerous personalities, particularly Beth, a seven-year-old alter, profoundly touching. Caldwell’s narrative gives readers a vivid, tangible understanding of DID, allowing us to witness the transitions from Joan to Beth and back and observe their unique characteristics and interactions. This stark portrayal of DID, coupled with Joan’s journey to recovery, offers a profound educational opportunity for both students and practitioners in the field of psychology and psychiatry.
In addition to presenting a profoundly human story of resilience and healing, Caldwell accomplishes two significant feats with this work. First, she aids Joan in overcoming her DID through dedication, diligence, and empathy. Second, she masterfully translates their shared experience into a raw, honest, and richly layered narrative. As a result, this book doesn’t merely inform; it changes its readers, offering a deeply empathetic understanding of DID.
However, it is essential to note that certain sections of the book include detailed accounts of child sexual abuse, which may be triggering for some readers. Please consider this before committing to this emotionally intense journey.
Describing the impact of this book is a challenging task. Reading it felt akin to sharing a coffee with a dear friend, intimately privy to their experiences, which is a compelling way to approach such a subject. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Caldwell and Joan for their success in both the journey to recovery and crafting a book that succeeds in demystifying DID.
I highly recommend Raven and the Hummingbird to students of psychiatry and psychology, who will find invaluable insights not readily available in standard academic literature. Additionally, anyone interested in an intimate exploration of human resilience or seeking to understand DID will find this book both enlightening and profoundly moving.
Pages: 669 | ASIN : B0BHBFS4S1
Taming Fear in the Age of Covid
As an individual that struggles with anxiety and depression that have worsened in the last few years, Taming Fear in the Age of Covid by Dr. Winfried Sedhoff is the perfect place to begin tackling fears. This beautiful book is divided into two parts: Fear is a Charlatan and From Fear Monster to Friend.
The first part of the book goes into detail about the trauma experienced by most human beings and the power it takes to tame this fear. Through real-life experiences (including his own), Dr. Winfried goes into the science of the human brain and how it can rewrite fears.
The second part of this book goes into actionable steps that one can take to overcome their fear. He shares the feeling of lack of interpersonal communication and isolation during COVID, transmission and how it occurs, and unknowns associated with the COVID-19 virus. One of the tips that he gave that has increased my productivity instead of obsessing over unfinished work is the notepad trick. He shares that when he was an intern, he carried with him a large notepad everywhere, and he wrote down everything. A daytime task diary has become part of his routine and is now part of my routine to increase efficiency. This helps us stay in the present and not stress about the future. After all, “Mindfulness taps into a secret about the fear we have just learned: the brain can only be afraid if it considers the future.”
It is important to know that this is not the kind of book one can read in one sitting. The actionable steps in part two of the book require practice and mindfulness before moving on to the next stage of practice. Yes, there are stories about how certain people overcome anxiety and depression. However, healing does not take one day, just as Rome was not built in a day. I rate the book four out of five stars. Through the practices that Dr. Winfried gives, one releases so much tension and anxiety that one was not aware they carried, which is both a beautiful and sad experience.
Pages: 304 | ASIN : B0BF8213Z6
A Schizophrenic, Tapped & Skipped
Raising children takes a strong will, flexibility, and a love like no other. No one can predict the paths our children will take or what circumstances they may find themselves as they grow, change, and have experiences without us by their sides. We would like to think, as parents, that we know our children and have everything under control. Life, however, makes plans that are often very different from our own. J. Mark Stacy is no stranger to the hardships of raising children. Stacy’s daughters are battling both drug addiction and the beast known as schizophrenia.
A Schizophrenic, Tapped & Skipped: Hope in the Midst of Madness, by J. Mark Stacy, is the no-holds-barred true story of one woman’s battle to remain hopeful in the face of overwhelming pain, fear, and utter destruction. When her daughter begins to show signs of schizophrenia as a teenager, their devastating journey begins. In addition to the battle with a crippling mental illness, the family must find a way to fight back against drug addiction.
Stacy’s book left me speechless. Her writing is raw; she holds nothing back as she shares her family’s story. From her initial shock to her own breakdowns, Stacy does not hesitate to tell readers how incredibly painful her daughters’ battles have been for everyone involved. Her work brings much-needed light to the struggle to treat mental illness and drug addiction. Prior to reading Stacy’s story, I had no idea how incredibly difficult it is for young adults battling debilitating schizophrenia to seek help from facilities. It goes without saying that Stacy’s book will be instrumental in changing the way mental illness and drug addiction are viewed by those of us who have never dealt with it firsthand.
Faith plays a huge part in the way Stacy is able to care for both of her daughters. As the years pass, readers see exactly how much she relies on her faith to do everything from simply riding in a car with her daughter to leaving her to live on her own. Stacy is able to give readers hope through her experiences, as crushing as they may seem.
The heart and soul that has been poured into this work is simply phenomenal. I highly recommend A Schizophrenic, Tapped & Skipped: Hope in the Midst of Madness to any family battling drug addiction or the effects of mental illness. Stacy is an ally who offers a revealing picture of her life while at the same time showing readers that hope does, indeed, exist.
Pages: 245 | ASIN: B09QJ7JZM2
Sisters in the Storm
Sisters in the Storm: For Moms of Mentally Ill Adult Children by Linda Hoff is a book about the author’s struggles as the mother of a son diagnosed with chronic paranoid schizophrenia. Hoff offers encouragement to other mothers facing a similar situation dealing with a mentally ill adult child, providing support, advice, and resources. In this book, the author shares the lessons she learned and insights gained from her personal journey to help other parents discover ways to cope, find acceptance, and reclaim their own lives.
This is an inspiring and informative book to read for anyone with a family member or friend who struggles with mental illness. Linda Hoff provides valuable tools to live a better, more joyful life despite the difficult battles faced. There is great comfort in knowing that we are not alone and that many others understand what we are going through. I liked that each chapter in the book began with a few lines of poetry, and each chapter ended with a visualization journey.
The inclusion of the author’s personal stories (or stories from friends or acquaintances), which were used to illustrate the author’s points, allowed me to connect with Hoff. For example, a very significant point that the author highlighted was the importance of learning to not allow her own mental health and well-being to suffer due to her child’s mental illness. My favorite chapter in the book was the one about living a joyful life with the twelve elements of hope, forgiveness, gratitude, compassion, reverence, generosity, energy and vitality, listening, laughter, love, cheerful enthusiasm, and inner peace, with actionable to-do lists and mediation exercises. I appreciated that the author gave suggestions that she learned from her specific experience and provided information about additional resources where readers can find help for their own personal situations.
One style element in the book’s formatting was to repeat sections of text like in a magazine article style. This method is effective in highlighting important points in writing. However, I felt, at times, it was overused. With so much fantastic information in this supportive book, I can understand why it was hard for the author to decide what key pieces to highlight.
Sisters in the Storm: For Moms of Mentally Ill Adult Children is a heartwarming book for mothers that take on the burden of trying to shoulder everything. It can be an overwhelming experience, and having a book like this to read and look back at gives them the knowledge they are not alone.
Pages: 422 | ASIN : B09VLHL2DG
Someone’s Story
![Someone's Story by [B.A. Bellec, Sheila Harris]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/514IpJpl0BL.jpg)
Someone’s Story by award winning author B.A. Bellec follows a seventeen-year-old teenager who wants to be referred to as “Someone”. When young, naive, and inherently “weird” Someone moves to a new town and is suddenly faced with the grueling challenges of adapting in high school; academics, crushes, bullying, and making friends in an environment not suited for many personality types, especially introverts. As Someone navigates through the complexities of high school life, he struggles with the feeling of not belonging, friends who don’t really want the best for him, friends who do, and the most daunting of all; mental illness. And so as he goes through all these seemingly normal activities, Someone is dealing with an internal struggle which leads to a couple of surprising plot twists and a mind-blowing finale.
This book is written in a poetic narrative using short and simple sentences which is similar to the way actual modern day teenagers speak. The writing style is unorthodox, but it makes for a wonderful literary treat. The pacing is somewhat slow at the beginning, and it feels like the plot is just random occurrences happening to the main character. However as the story progresses, these connect with each other to form the plot as a whole. Also, what at first seems like a mundane high school story – typical mean popular kids, the outcasts, and inspirational teachers- evolves into a series of surprising plot twists that keep the story fresh and interesting.
A very important aspect of this book is the way the main character (Someone) is written. It is revealed that he struggles with mental illness. But what really matters is the way it is portrayed. Someone is shown to go to parties, make friends, and do okay academically, which is pretty accurate. People hear depression and expect the character to be bed-ridden and unable to complete basic daily life tasks but that is not usually the case, and it’s beautiful how this book shows that mental illness can come in many shapes and sizes and could be happening to anyone.
Someone’s Story is a uniquely thoughtful young adult novel that accurately portrays what mental illness can feel like both for the person who struggles with it and the people around them. This is an impassioned and emotionally resonant story that will stay with you for a long time.
Pages: 330 | ASIN: B086Q2Y41W
LITERARY TITAN 