The War at Home: One Family's Fight Against PTSD - Softcover

Gourley, Shawn J

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0986329207 ISBN 13: 9780986329203

Publisher: Military with Ptsd Inc., 2015

Synopsis

When your soldier returns home to you, it should be a happy and joyful time. You are glad your spouse is safe and sound back home and can't wait to get your life going again. Everything should be great! But what if the homecoming is anything but great? What if suddenly you can't connect, or you feel worlds apart? What if your vet is no longer interested in going out or being around other people? Maybe your spouse isn't sleeping well, or worse, becoming violent while asleep. Your vet may not be reconnecting with the kids and may seem uninterested in any new additions to the family. What if your spouse gets angry at small things or even becomes violent? What do you do? Do you ignore it and keep thinking it will get better if you give it more time? In February 2003, Shawn Gourley's husband, Justin, returned home from his tour in the Middle East where his ship was deployed to assist Operation Enduring Freedom. Cracks were already showing in his personality, cracks that would widen dramatically into full-on fractures by the time he returned home in June 2004 from his third tour that marked the end of his military career. For the next 4 1/2 years their relationship was very difficult, and at times, downright terrifying for her and the children. It wasn't until January 2009 that Justin was able to get treatment. He was finally diagnosed with PTSD in August 2009. Those are the broad strokes of their story, but the details of how Shawn fought to save her family will leave you transfixed until the end.

About this title

About the Author:

Shawn J. Gourley was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana where she still lives today with her husband, Justin, and their children. The War at Home is her first foray into the world of writing, but it surely won't be her last as she works every day to fight for the rights of veterans and their families to get the help they need to tackle PTSD. Shawn tries to make a personal connection with all the vets and military families she helps, which is part of her easy-going, country-girl personality. She enjoys camping with her family as often as possible. Her favorite NASCAR(R) driver is Jeff Gordon, in large part due to his support of American Troops. 

Review:

"Professionals working with military families who experience the effects of PTSD can utilize this book to gain insight into what some families experience and/or provide families with which they work with this resource". - Military Families Learning Network

"This is a very raw and real account, and I can only hope that many people (the military community and military supporters) will read it and gain some insight and understanding what some families are going through. I can't emphasize it enough - READ THIS BOOK!" - Benita Koeman Founder, Operation We Are Here

About this edition

• Publisher: Military with Ptsd Inc.
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0986329207
• ISBN 13: 9780986329203
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 322
• Editor: Henry Spring Lea E