Surviving the Shadows: A Journey of Hope into Post-Traumatic Stress [Paperback]

Dave Scheiber (Author), Bob Delaney (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 1, 2011

"Filled with examples of courage, wisdom, and innovation, Surviving the Shadows is a must-read for anyone in the military, anyone associated with the military, or anyone protected by the military."
-Nate Self, Army Ranger, Captain (ret.), decorated Iraq and Afghanistan War hero, author of Two Wars: One Hero's Fight on Two Fronts-Abroad and Within

"The news Bob Delaney brings...is poignant, up-to-date, well earned, and maybe lifesaving: You are not alone; sharing yourself with others can transform your very existence."
-James S. Gordon , M.D., author of Unstuck: Your Guide to the Seven-Stage Journey Out of Depression

"Bob Delaney was very effective in addressing our personnel...His perspective as a former law enforcement officer who suffered through PTSD was eye-opening and comforting for our men and women."
-Jane E . Castor , Chief of Police, City of Tampa Police Department

"Surviving the Shadows is a must-read for all those who serve their city, county, state, or country. Post-Traumatic Stress for too long has been treated like a secret-this book helps to remove that stigma and provides education, awareness, and hope."
-Don O'Leary , New York City Fire Department Captain (retired)

We are all touched by PTSD in some way-husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, families and friends.

Too often we have questions without answers, or don't know where to turn for help. But the truth is, what we really need is each other.

Surviving the Shadows is an uplifting journey through powerful and inspiring stories-marked by perseverance and personal courage-about an array of people who have suffered directly or indirectly from Post-Traumatic Stress. Along the way, PTSD education and awareness leader Bob Delaney introduces you to medical experts who have developed groundbreaking methods in dealing with the disorder, and profiles one-of-a-kind programs around the country devoted to assisting PTSD sufferers.

The first step to healing is one person away. The stories within Surviving the Shadows will help you understand the truth about Post-Traumatic Stress, and how we can help each other overcome it every day.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Given the thousands of soldiers returning physically and emotionally crippled from America's wars, the latest from the authors of Covert: My Years Infiltrating the Mob proves especially timely...Delaney and Scheiber successfully balance scientific fact with personal testimonial and write with an empathetic, engaging tone.

With an affecting compilation of true stories and information, veteran NBA referee Delaney (Covert, 2008) sheds light on the often undiagnosed horrors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)...A valuable volume of hope, education and awareness.

Retired NBA referee Delaney, who speaks with and counsels members of law enforcement, the military, and others who have dealt with psychological trauma, developed post-traumatic stress disorder when he was a New Jersey state trooper in the 1970s after a three-year investigation of the Genovese and Bruno crime families. He shares his own experiences dealing with the condition and collects first-person stories from members of the military, law enforcement, emergency services, and civilians who have dealt with PTSD and how they have coped. He integrates the advice of doctors and counselors who explain the physiological and psychological responses that occur, and recommends a method of peer-to-peer therapy.

About the Author

Dave Scheiber is a nationally renowned journalist and author who has earned some of the most prestigious awards in his profession.

Bob Delaney has been an NBA referee for the past twentyfour years and was a highly decorated New Jersey State Trooper who went undercover for nearly three years to infiltrate the mob. Delaney speaks before law enforcement, emergency services, and military groups concerning his experiences with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks (September 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402263554
• ISBN-13: 978-1402263552
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #609,249 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! January 19, 2012

By young at heart

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is a great resource for anyone battling PTSD, and anyone who lives with or is friends with someone with PTSD. I work with PTSD clients and found it to be a great professional resource.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Surviving the Shadows November 24, 2011

By Ray Blasczak

Format:Paperback

"Surviving the Shadows" is a straight forward discussion of a problem that is plaguing our military, police, fire and emergency service workers. I clearly brings to light that it is as serious an injury as the loss of an arm or leg and is nothing to be ashamed of. Hopefully, Bob's openness about his own battle with PTSD will encourage others to explore the various approaches described in the book and move on to a fuller, happier life. A must read for all our military and first response personnel.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Review of Police and Veteran PTSD by Bob Delaney November 19, 2011

By Andy O'Hara

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Robert Delaney offers us another important look at a serious topic facing veterans and police officers today: posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He introduces a number of interesting ideas and discussions regarding PTSD and its treatment, some of which have been introduced only in recent years and a few more which admittedly need further exploration and verification. The author believes strongly, for example, that while the assistance of mental health professionals is advisable, "peer-to-peer therapy" should be the first line of defense in dealing with PTSD (officers talking to officers, accident victims talking to accident victims, etc).

Some of the programs the author reviews in his book include Operation Proper Exit, which allows soldiers to return to the physical locale of their injury. Another is a Florida-based doctor who feels that PTSD can be summarized as an issue of "adrenal fatigue" treatable by a number of targeted-amino acid therapies, herbs, minerals and megavitamins as well as exercises. Another Florida group, Quantum Leap Farm, has gained considerable attention by exposing PTSD victims to horseback riding as a calming technique for treatment.

The author reserves his highest praise for a 30-year police veteran, Mike Pool, who the author says spent 20 years of his law enforcement career on a SWAT team and then founded and runs the West Coast Post-trauma Retreat (WCPR) in California for emergency responders. Aided by his staff of psychologists and peer counselors, like police officer and combat veteran Nick Turkovich, Pool conducts intense therapy sessions for a week at a time with a group of police, firefighters and other responders. He acts alternating roles as "big brother, father figure, tough old uncle, vulnerable friend, and fellow first responder." The author writes that the West Coast Posttrauma Retreat "succeeds on the strength of Mike's broad shoulders." As a result, most of the first responders return to their jobs greatly relieved and can continue a process of healing, still monitored by Mike Pool and his staff.

One chapter, "Trauma Resilience," began on a hopeful note by discussing some theories regarding preparatory work personnel can do to ready themselves for trauma before it happens. I wish this had gone further on what officers can follow to strengthen their personal resiliencies before trouble strikes but it ended too soon. This is highly important and departments have much more they can do in this area.

I do have to point out one error, much as I enjoyed this book, and I'm certain this was merely a misstatement. It is said, twice, in talking about anger and a desire to harm others, that "one of the main symptoms of PTSD is a thirst for revenge." This is incorrect and it is not given as a PTSD symptom in credible literature on mental disorders or our experience with PTSD sufferers. The primary features of PTSD are fear, flashbacks, withdrawal, numbing, hyperarousal and isolation. Anger and agitation are common but are turned inward, making it the terribly painful disorder it is. But PTSD by itself itself does not make sufferers violent towards others. Unfortunately, there are cases popping up recently in which PTSD is being blamed for murders by veterans when, in fact, there were other disorders and problems involved, including TBI's and substance abuse, that were more likely the cause. Society already views the mentally ill as "dangerous," so we need to be very careful not to further stigmatize this illness by suggesting violence potential where none exists.

This is an excellent book, however, full of many alternative ideas and thoughts for consideration/discussion, and I encourage anyone interested in furthering their knowledge in this area to read it!

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