Soldier's Heart: Survivors' View of Combat Trauma - Softcover

Ann Steidle; Grace Zaczek

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0962916463 ISBN 13: 9780962916465

Publisher: Sidran Press, 1995

Synopsis

This first-of-its-kind compilation of original prose, poetry, and art is written by veterans -- primarily Vietnam vets, yet with contributions by veterans of World War II, Korea, and Desert Storm -- with combat-induced trauma disorders. Soldier's Heart seeks to illuminate the range of emotions and reactions to diagnosis that often characterize individuals healing from PTSD. In the process, this book offers survivors and their families a sense of community, helping to dispel the isolation frequently felt by people with trauma disorders. Contributions for this book were solicited from veterans outreach programs, military service organizations, and at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. They were selected and edited by the National Trauma Institute at Baltimore, a non-profit organization founded to promote the study and treatment of trauma-related disorders. The editorial board includes a Marine Vietnam veteran and his wife, as well as trauma treatment professionals. The 200 works in Soldier's Heart depict an outpouring of emotion which covers all aspects of combat trauma. The book begins with the awareness that something is wrong, and then moves through the frustrations of seeking help. Soldier's Heart ends with veterans' attempts to make sense of their ordeal and live in peace with the society around them: "...reclaiming my life, molecule by molecule... climbing out of the shadow of war." Spouses, therapists, friends, families, and those who would like to understand -- from the veteran's point of view -- what the long-term consequences of trauma can be are invited to read and share the words of those who live the experience.

About this title

From the Publisher:

This book is published by the Sidran Foundation, a national nonprofit organization devoted to advocacy, education, and research in support of people with traumatic stress conditions. To learn more about the Sidran Foundation and our work, please visit our website at http://www.sidran.org.

Review:

This book is an inspirational and poignant look at the many lessons that can be learned from those who served proudly, yet have the psychological scars which come from military service in time of war. There is a clear message of renewal and hope in this book. I heartily recommend Soldier's Heart. --Jan Scruggs, Director, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

"In this unique book, veterans and those who love them -- their family members, friends, and therapists -- share openly, honestly, and powerfully what it's like to live with combat stress and to venture forth into the healing process... This book is a 'must' for anyone who wants a glimpse into a soldier's heart." --Aphrodite Matsakis, author, Vietnam Wives, psychologist in private practice and with the Veteran's Administration Medical Center and the Vet Center Outreach Program in Washington, D.C

"The book is testimony to the psychological and spiritual effects of war trauma, the ongoing healing of veterans, their families, and our nation, expressed by those who were in it. The veterans and their families who have gone through this healing process are indeed an inspiration and source of hope for all survivors of trauma, especially those survivors of trauma intentionally inflicted by our own kind." --Al Batres, Ph.D., Vietnam Veteran

About this edition

• Publisher: Sidran Press
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0962916463
• ISBN 13: 9780962916465
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 242
• Editor: Sarah Hansel, Ron Zaczek
• Illustrator: Ralph Sirianni