ACCOUNTS OF POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER DATE BACK 1000s OF YEARS

The news reports stories of returning combatants from Iraq and Afghanistan with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but did you know the first written accounts of battle trauma date back thousands of years? The written history of traumatic stress begins with ancient Egypt's physicians. Their reports of hysterical reactions became one of the first known medical textbooks to be published in 1990 B.C.

Twenty-seven centuries ago, “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” written circa 700 B. C. parallel accounts of modern day PTSD. Achilles, the hero of “The Iliad” was undergoing traumatic battle experiences and suffering stress reactions similar to combatants of the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and the Gulf War. Similarly, “The Odyssey” describes the psychological state of Odysseus returning home from the Trojan Wars.

A more current literary figure, Charles Dickens wrote of his emotional trauma after he was involved in a train accident in 1865. Dickens wrote, “I am not quite right within, but believe it to be an effect of the railway shaking.” He summed up his psychological condition: “I am curiously weak-weak as if I were recovering from a long illness.”

Modern accounts of PTSD—or shell shock as it was originally coined—began during World War I. After WWII and the Korean War this term was replaced by war neurosis or traumatic neurosis. The current name, post traumatic stress disorder, became official in 1980.

After so many years, why is PTSD now getting so much attention? One reason is there are a growing number of veteran suicides—22 reported daily. The numbers are so staggering one organization dedicated to assisting our veterans, K9s for Warriors, has started a STOP 22 campaign to spread awareness. K9s for Warriors rescues and trains shelter dogs to become service dogs. Veteran and his assigned dog go through training together. This type of program has been proven successful for veterans battling PTSD. Other organizations such as Paws and Stripes, Northwest Battle Buddies, and Gunnar Center are only three of many similar groups around the country dedicated to saving the lives of both shelter dogs and veterans.

The problem of veteran suicides has become so dire, early this year the Clay Huntley Act passed the House and Senate. Here’s a brief excerpt taken directly from the website:

“Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act or the Clay Hunt SAV Act

(Sec. 2) Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) arrange for an independent third party evaluation, to be conducted by September 30, 2018, and each fiscal year thereafter, of the VA's mental health care and suicide prevention programs; and (2) submit a report to Congress, by December 1, 2018, and each year thereafter, containing the most recent evaluations not yet submitted to Congress and any recommendations the Secretary considers appropriate.

Directs the Secretary to submit interim reports to Congress by September 30, 2016, and September 30, 2017, on the VA's mental health care and suicide prevention programs.”

A study from June 2014, published online in Current Psychiatry Reports states: “Veterans are more likely to take their own lives when they feel they have become a burden to their family, friends and community, and are socially isolated with little to no meaningful personal connections . . . ”

The Vietnam War produced thousands of veterans returning home with PTSD. Their greeting was often unwelcome and as a result they suffered in silence. Decades later there are still homeless Vietnam Vets living on our nation’s streets with untreated PTSD. Those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are welcomed home, but have trouble readjusting. Many are in a constant state of hyper vigilance and depression.

What exactly is PTSD, and what are the symptoms? Flashbacks, constantly on alert/hyper vigilance, insomnia, depression, anxiety, anger, nightmares, guilt, associated triggers that induce flashbacks, drugs and alcohol, relationship problems, social withdrawal, and isolation. Those with PTSD continue to react to minor stimuli as emergencies i.e., fireworks, car backfire, flashing lights, noisy crowds.

An Army’s PTSD training document provided to medical staff in December 2014 reports that more than half the soldiers with PTSD and other mental health problems still don’t receive care. When they do seek help, sadly many don’t continue and drop out of treatment. Soldiers believe that reaching out to a mental health provider will be held against them by their peers and leaders, and could damage their careers. If they have families to support losing their career would not only bring shame, but would remove their source of income and benefits.

If you know someone battling PTSD let them know you care and are deeply concerned for their well being. Encourage them to seek help because things are changing and more help is available. This conversation could save their life.

Bibliography

After years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army is overhauling its mental health services. Article written by Hal Bernton, Adam Ashton, April 11, 2015 updated April 12, 2015

Congress.Gov – H.R. 203 – Clay Hunt SAV Act 114th Congress (2015-2016)

Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act signed February 12, 2015

Current Psychiatry Reports published online, June 2014 Volume 16

Suicides in the Military: The Post-Modern Combat Veteran and the Hemingway Effect by Carl Andrew Castro, Sara Kintzle

http://www.militaryconnection.com/articles/health/ptsd-chronological-account

Post traumatic Stress Disorder: A Chronological Account written by Kevin Roberts, Ph.D.

SYNCHRONICITY: MORE THAN COINCIDENCE

Synchronicity. You’ve heard the word, but what does it mean? In the 1920s Swiss psychotherapist and psychiatrist, Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology, coined the term to describe the phenomena when two unrelated events occur simultaneously experienced in a meaningful manner. More than coincidence, it can be manifested by strong intent.

We’ve all experienced synchronicity at one time or another. For example, you’re gassing the car and you start thinking of someone you haven’t seen or talked to in a while. You make a mental note to phone or text them and a moment later they pull up at the next pump and get out of the car. “I was just thinking about you,” you greet them with a laugh. “Really? I was just thinking about you too—and here you are!”

”GOOD FORTUNE’s” recurring theme of synchronicity is something I commonly experience in all areas of my life, so it came as no surprise that while researching Chinese culture and customs, the information I needed often appeared as if I’d attracted it like a magnet. One of many such examples is how I learned about the history of Shuikou noodles.

I was well into writing chapter 40 devoted to the annual Chinese New Year dinner hosted at the Chow household. After consuming a feast, the Chow family and friends listened to elders tell after dinner stories. I wanted this section to be interesting and not read like a textbook. I’d already researched and written about the history of the Chinese calendar and the art of calligraphy through the vehicle of two elders relating tales about these topics. I wanted a third tale to be something different and attention-grabbing, yet relating somehow to traditional Chinese food.

The next morning while getting ready for work I mulled this over, wondering where I’d find just what I needed. When I got home that night and collected the mail I was still thinking about this dilemma because I still had no idea where to find exactly what I needed. Among the mail that day I noticed an Auto Club magazine. Usually, I’d put it aside and wouldn’t look at it until much later, yet for some reason I felt compelled to sit down and read it immediately. I placed the magazine on the table and, as if by magic, the pages popped open to an article about the history of Shuikou noodles. There was my research—problem solved! This is the actual article. 

If you’d like to share examples of synchronicity in your own life, send me an email via ljbratspis@gmail.com and I’ll post them in another blog. I wish you good fortune!

Leslie Bratspis

“GOOD FORTUNE” is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble in paperback and e-Book formats. The eBook is on sale now for $2.99 through Smashwords using coupon GY25V. Offer good through May 1st. 

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/65462

PTSD AND VETERAN SUICIDE IS WHY I WROTE "VANILLA GRASS"

My former husband was twice deployed to Vietnam. I have memories of how changed he was when he returned. He looked the same, but looks can be deceiving. I had no idea what was going on inside his mind. While he was overseas he wrote letters about missing me and looking forward to coming home, but they never revealed anything about what it was like being there. His fear. His trauma. These were his guarded secrets. Years later, long divorced and both of us remarried, we finally had a long phone conversation about his Vietnam experience. It was cathartic. We cried.

I wrote “VANILLA GRASS, a novel of redemption” about the challenges Veterans past and present face with flashbacks and depression as part of their daily struggle with PTSD. Until recently, post deployment integration has offered little help readjusting after coming home from war. Thankfully that’s beginning to change. This is so important because there are 22 reported military suicides daily. It's a national tragedy.

“VANILLA GRASS” shows the healing power of dogs for those struggling with PTSD when conventional attempts of therapy have failed. With their heightened senses of empathy and instinct, dogs are capable of bonding with humans to become their emotional healers. With this book I’ve attempted to raise awareness of the challenges our veterans and active military are coping with in their day-to-day lives. The story also exposes current problems with a fictitious group of at-risk teenagers who are promiscuous, talk slang, swear, smoke pot, rob houses, and have no goals. I’ve written how through example, the importance of community banding together to make a positive change in these kids’ lives brings forth surprising results.

The "star" of my book is Sage. She was a nine-month-old abused Golden Retriever puppy, blind in one eye, being chocked to death by a chain around her neck that had been slipped over her head when she was much smaller. I rescued her on her "last day" at the shelter and she lived five happy years with our two other Goldens who became her canine pals. Sadly the early abuse she suffered cut her life short. I have resurrected Sage in my novel because her courage and spirit made her the perfect companion for my Vietnam Vet battling PTSD. Writing about her brought her back to me for a little while. I miss her every day.

"VANILLA GRASS" is available from the usual online retailers and directly from Robertson Publishing. You can also purchase it from my website www.lesliebratspis.com and there's a "shop now" link on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Bratspis-Vanilla-Grass/1459047377684683?ref=hl

Thank you!
Leslie Bratspis

www.lesliebratspis.com
www.rp-author.com/bratspis
 http://www.amazon.com/Vanilla-Grass-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/1611701961/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1427499318&sr=1-1&keywords=vanilla+grass+by+leslie+bratspis
Twitter:  @LeslieBratspis

IT'S ALMOST SPRING! TIME FOR BOOK CLUBS TO SELECT THEIR READS

Hello book club readers and others who just like to read! After a cold dark winter in Southwestern Washington, I'm sooooooooo ready for lots of warm and sunny spring days leading into summer. This morning our cherry tree finally bloomed. It was great to see the blossoms after watching the buds slowly develop over the past couple of weeks. Spring is just around the corner and my excitement is mounting.

The other day while perusing through my computer, I came across a couple of photos of book clubs that selected "GOOD FORTUNE" as their monthly read. In the top one I'm the red head sitting at the end of the table with a flower in front of my nose! I actually snapped the photo below at another book club meeting, which is why you can't see me.

It was great fun to be the guest of honor talking about researching Chinese culture and customs, answering questions, and enjoying the company of fellow readers. If you've read "GOOD FORTUNE" you know the topics of dreams, symbols, and synchronicity appear often. I shared personal experiences that I included in the book through the lives of my characters.

Since Spring is almost here why not plan ahead for your book club? What could be better than spending the day outside in the garden discussing a good book with friends? If you select "GOOD FORTUNE" I'll be happy to mail you autographed bookmarks to pass out to your book club members. With enough advance notice I can also send autographed books. Just send me an email with your request to lesliebratspis@yahoo.com. 

Wishing you warm sunny days, and lots of good fortune. Have a great day!
Leslie Bratspis, Author



Follow my "GOOD FORTUNE" Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GoodFortuneFans

Follow me on Twitter: @LeslieBratspis

New website under construction. Until then, www.rp-author.com/bratspis

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Leslie-Bratspis/e/B005EJ438W/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

MY EPIPHANY WHILE MAKING VEGETABLE SOUP – SPOILER ALERT!!!

                                  THIS BLOG CONTAINS SPOILERS. JUST SAYIN’…

What triggers the mind is fascinating. Yesterday while chopping vegetables for a pot of homemade soup I found myself thinking about two main characters in my novels, “GOOD FORTUNE” and “VANILLA GRASS, A novel of redemption.” My two protagonists are vastly different, yet I realized they share the same virtue. Chow Lee Tong, an aged Chinese immigrant, scholar and bookkeeper, and John Carrows, a Vietnam veteran with PTSD, couldn’t be more opposite. At least that’s what I thought when I created them.

Tong is an immigrant from a small village in China who came to the U.S. as a young man with his wife and young son, full of hopeful plans for their future. Soon his hopes are dashed. John was born in the United States and grew up on a farm in the Pacific Northwest. When he turned eighteen he was deployed to Vietnam and is badly injured. What could an immigrant scholar and a wounded veteran with PTSD possibly have in common?

As I sliced a head of cauliflower into small chunks my mind came up with an answer: Each man had suffered greatly, felt like he’d lost everything, and as a result of years of emotional suffering had developed a compassionate heart.

“GOOD FORTUNE” Page 51 – “The much-anticipated journey to the United States ought to have been the beginning of a shared dream for Tong and Mei-li. But as fate would have it, Mei-li's tragic death so soon after their arrival was to be only one of the painful losses Tong would have to endure. Like his wife, he too felt despondent to leave behind the village of his birth, members of his family whom he knew he would never see again, and his life's work from which he derived so much pleasure.”

“VANILLA GRASS” Page 151 – “After my family died I felt like I had no reason to live. All my plans to go to college—gone. No family, no career, no wife and kids. I got drafted and sure, I served my country, but for what? To breathe poison chemicals that fucked up my lungs and get blasted up so bad I’ve got a metal plate in my head?” He clenched his fist and raised it at the sky. “Can you tell me why the hell I had to lose everything?”

I dropped in the chunks of cauliflower and stirred the vegetables sautéing in the pot, added garlic, ginger and a sprinkle of curry. Then I poured in homemade chicken broth and began peeling carrots while my mind continued thinking about the similarities between Tong and John that I’d never before considered.

The opening sentence of “GOOD FORTUNE” reads: “Tong’s arduous journey through life prepared him to help others. He discovered that kindness outlasts suffering, and finding skillful ways through challenges mattered more than any indignity.” Tong’s suffering and endless sorrow over losing Mei-li—the love of his life—made him a compassionate man who dedicated his life to helping others.

In “VANILLA GRASS,” John’s suffering from the loss of his family and the hell of having PTSD turned him into a total recluse—that is, until his life gets invaded by the town’s delinquent teenagers. He finds himself the target of false accusations that could ruin his reputation yet instead of reacting with anger, he tells the mother of a girl responsible for starting the false rumor something she never expected. “VANILLA GRASS” Page 221 – John stared at his glass and watched a drop of water zig zag down the side like a tear. “I’ve suffered too much and seen and done too many awful things to want to inflict pain on anyone unless my life is threatened.” Like Tong, John’s years of suffering made him a kind and compassionate human being.

While mulling this over, I added chopped carrots and celery to the 12-vegetable soup, lowered the flame, put on the lid, and started cleaning the kitchen. I rinsed out the sink and thought about how interesting it was that I’d unconsciously given both men in my novels—who I’d thought were complete opposites—the shared quality of compassion. A Chinese immigrant scholar and an American veteran with PTSD were both men of honor. Each had to overcome painful obstacles and were survivors who overcame personal pain to help others in need.

“GOOD FORTUNE” Page 331 – “Yet, until he grew to adulthood and experienced his own pain after losing his father, Wu had no way of measuring or understanding the depth of the wounds inflicted upon his father when he was robbed of his cultural roots, his profession, and even his wife. In the face of such terrible losses, Tong stoically accepted all the changes life thrust at him with what Wu now realized was the strength and courage of a warrior. Reflecting on that early time of his life, he was finally able to grasp that his father relied on his Herculean inner strength and courage to forge ahead, despite the enormous intensity of his personal grief. For the first time he comprehended the unselfishness of his father's motive to hide his pain and sorrow from him, and the love that made him believe this was the right thing to do.”

“VANILLA GRASS” Page 308 & 309 – “For some unknown reason after I did you wrong more than once, you didn’t give up on me. Anyone else would have cast me aside as a lost cause, but not you, John Carrows. You had a big heart and opened up a world of opportunities for me I never thought possible…You were a man of few words. Your actions spoke for you. You were a human being with a compassionate heart who understood the pain of others because of your own painful experiences.”

Until I got busy yesterday chopping soup vegetables it hadn’t occurred to me how I wrote characters I admired. In my own life, being compassionate towards humans and animals is of paramount importance. Like everyone, I’ve had my own share of challenges to face, bitter disappointments to overcome, and pain to suffer through. Writing has been a way for me to express myself creatively and say what I believe is important.

                       

Both my books are available in print and eBook. You can follow the links below, or on their Facebook page click the "shop now" link.

To purchase “GOOD FORTUNE” on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Good-Fortune-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/1611700280/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424545695&sr=1-1&keywords=good+fortune+by+leslie+bratspis

To purchase “VANILLA GRASS, A novel of redemption” on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Vanilla-Grass-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/1611701961/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

Follow my books on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/GoodFortuneFans?ref=hl

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Bratspis-Vanilla-Grass/1459047377684683?ref=hl

Twitter:  @LeslieBratspis

"VANILLA GRASS, A novel of redemption"

My new novel is finally released! In fact, it's re-released. I had some issues with the original publisher and was able to cancel my contract and publish elsewhere. While arrangements were being made I updated the Kindle, notified the Library of Congress of changes, had a book signing, ate too much chocolate, and somehow managed to remain sane! 

"VANILLA GRASS, A novel of redemption" looks at some important and timely issues: Veteran PTSD and the need for post deployment reintegration into society; comfort dogs and service dogs, and the important roles they play in emotional healing; 22 reported veteran suicides daily and some measures being taken in hope of stopping this tragedy; at risk teenagers who abuse sex and drugs while talking slang and lacking motivation; domestic violence and alcohol abuse.I know this sounds serious--and it is! Yet my book is a fast read and entertaining. I know this because I hear from readers:

"It made me laugh and cry. I loved it."

"I read your book in two days. I couldn't put it down and I didn't do anything else except stop to eat."

"I haven't gotten any work done because I can't stop reading your book."

Here are some early reviews:

"This book kept me going from page one to the end. The author has developed the characters so deeply that I felt I knew each one. It taught me about many important aspects of life that I had not given much thought: the horrific physical and mental burdens returning soldiers suffer, the healing power of dogs trained to give solace; the redemption of wayward teens when someone cares enough to teach them their worth, and the importance of speaking up when peers attempt to lead you in a dangerous direction. Congratulations to Bratspis for this thought-provoking book with a plot I could not only immerse myself into, but I could even smell it."

"Every character in Vanilla Grass touched me in some way. The characters are developed through precise dialog and very realistic circumstances, whether an isolated Vietnam veteran or an alienated teenager. This novel brings to life not only the essence of redemption but does so through exploration of some very complicated and humanly challenging circumstances. The effects of war on life and identity are very real . The struggles of disenfranchised young adults and the search for connection that we all struggle to achieve jump,out of every page. The healing power of dogs not only brings together the commonality of the characters but highlights the essence of what really pulls our characters through PTSD and other live traumas. This is a very sensitive and important story. It is about all of us. It is about healing."

"This turned out to be one of the best books I have ever read. Growing up through the Vietnam era, I know that some of our soldiers came back with debilitating conditions. While having heard of "service" dogs, I had not heard of "comfort" dogs, and I found this story to be so touching on so many levels. Leslie's characters all had an amazing depth to them, and made me feel more like I was IN the story, rather than just reading it."

To read more, go to the Amazon website.

http://www.amazon.com/Vanilla-Grass-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/1611701961/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Thank you for your support. STOP 22!

Leslie Bratspis

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Bratspis-Vanilla-Grass/1459047377684683?ref=hl

A MODERN DAY SEQUEL TO "REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE"

"Time had taken on another dimension; no one had enough of it anymore. Details led to more details, and were it not for Eric's past experience as a contractor and his friends and connections in the construction business that pulled strings and moved things along, the renovation of the empty restaurant would have taken longer. Eric pushed hard for things to happen quickly, but unexpected delays were unavoidable. The days whizzed by at warp speed, and then it was Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving." ~ page 228 "GOOD FORTUNE"

This is what I wrote when Michael was working part-time and getting ready to open his new business. He and his partners were overwhelmed with details and trying to get everything done in time. Indeed, "time had taken on another dimension" and no one had enough hours in the day to get everything done.

For the last two months this accurately describes what my life has been like as I've been getting ready to release my new novel, "VANILLA GRASS." The title is derived from the wild-growing sweet vernal grass that grows in the woods of Western Washington, and smells like vanilla. Five rounds of edits and a final read-through, working with my cover designer to make everything just right, formatting the manuscript, getting the Library of Congress Catalog number assigned and the  Publisher's Cataloging-In-Publication Date and a CIP number assigned so libraries can purchase and catalog my book--these are just some of the details I've been attending to!

When I wrote "GOOD FORTUNE" my heart was immediately connected with the story and characters. I wasn't sure if I'd feel the same way while writing "VANILLA GRASS" because for the first few chapters it felt more like the start of a "project" than something meaningful. Then as often happens while writing, things shifted, my story took a direction I hadn't planned, and I found myself totally immersed and emotionally invested in the characters and plot. 

"VANILLA GRASS" is a book about a Vietnam Veteran suffering from PTSD, a subject I've researched and learned a great deal about in the last year. Rather than attempting to explain the plot, I've decided to post the synopsis that appears on the back cover:

"Suffering from PTSD, Vietnam Vet, John Carrows lives off the grid in self-imposed exile. Battling daily with violent war memories, he is forced out of hiding when pot-smoking teenagers make a failed attempt to rob him at gun point. Teenagers and the town at large aren't prepared for the consequences.

An abused dog will become the catalyst to heal John's deep psychological wounds. When he saves the dog's life, John begins to emerge from years of recurring nightmares and deep depression -- setting forth a chain of events that affect his entire community."

As with "GOOD FORTUNE" I did countless hours of research while writing this book. Part was taken from memories of my ex-husband's post deployment after his return from serving two tours in Vietnam. Some was based on a friend's experiences while serving there. Much of it came from interviewing Vets in my writer's group, reading numerous blogs and articles, and watching YouTube videos of wounded combatants suffering from PTSD. Many Vets go decades suffering with trauma and flashbacks until they get paired with, or go to a shelter themselves, and rescue a "comfort dog" that works miracles helping them cope and heal.

What about the teenagers? Perhaps I was destined to write a book about juvenile delinquents because my father, Irving Shulman, wrote "THE AMBOY DUKES," a novel about an actual street gang in Brooklyn, New York, that was made into the film "CITY ACROSS THE RIVER" starring Tony Curtis and Rita Moreno. He also penned the original screenplay for the iconic film "REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE," starring James Dean and Natalie Wood. His book based on the film is entitled "CHILDREN OF THE DARK." Later, he wrote the first book to be released concurrently with a film. That book was the paperback version of the play that was then made into the film "WEST SIDE STORY."

Am I trying to follow in my father's footsteps? Perhaps. Every writer dreams of writing a best-seller. But at first it didn't occur to me what I was doing was carrying my father's torch by writing about this generation of teens until I'd completed half a dozen chapters. My teenagers aren't much different from the ones my father featured in the 1940s-1960s. My present day delinquents are sexually promiscuous, talk slang, smoke pot, carry guns, and have no goals. They lack motivation and compassion until a Vietnam Vet shocks them into reality.

"VANILLA GRASS" will be released by mid-November. Watch for it on Amazon and I'll announce it here. Until then, you can follow and "Like" on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Bratspis-Vanilla-Grass/1459047377684683?ref=hl

I look forward to having you join me!

Yours in good fortune,

Leslie Bratspis,

Author "GOOD FORTUNE" and "VANILLA GRASS"