Gift From Within Guestbook Archives - 2002

Me and my 3 children left almost 4 years ago, theres still some hard times with PTSD. but everything else has gotten better. It was worth it, there are good people out there. and you need to keep in touch with the big guy. This is by far the best discription of abuse i have ever found. I cried through most of it. It helped me put WHY ? into words. I still ask that question why ? It was a slow process, over years. I wouldn't have never put up with it then or now, but it happened so slow . If you haven't left yet, what are you waiting for ?????? There is no excuse !

Searching for additional benefits for domestic violence survivors....

i need to learn to control the anger i have built up inside me please help

While not a cure or treatment, humor is often useful in providing momentary relief. Consider seeing the Sony Pictures movie, Anger Management.

I am a survivor of abuse and am finally getting help for the emotional damage that was done. I fell into substance abuse but now have had treatment. Thank you for this website!

This is a nice site. I am looking for someone who can help me get out of this dreamlike state. I have been to counselors,but no one in my area deals with PTSD. It has been over five years now and if I have to live like this why is it not legal to get put to sleep forever in a humane way? If there is any help email me.

This site is like being next to a beautiful brooke, on a perfect indian summer day, alone with my healers. Thank you so much

I am also the survivor of abuse, but I've learned that to get to heaven on earth, we must sometimes go through the pain. Heaven on earth, to me, is a place where you meet with the compassion and love of other survivors who you never met, but feel as if you've known them all your life, because there is a unity that defies all laws of nature, when survivors meet. There is dignity, trust and love, immediately at the first encounter by two strangers, with one common trait. The trait of victimization. The only two things in this world that are greater than this bond, is the bond of parenthood and faith in God.

Please visit my website, a place for support, peace, prayers and hope! A retreat that is uplifting, enlightening and supportive. Peace Mary

Does this site have a message board or a chat room of some kind?

This is a wonderful site. I am a registered nurse who cares for patients suffering from PTSD.

These words were used to remember our fallen colleagues elevated to higher service, on Remembrance Day. Both Rev. Roger Scott OEC and myself officiated. Hope it may assist those loved one's left behind.

There were crowds in the streets of London the day the peace was signed, they sang in exultation; they danced, they wined, they dined; for the dreadful war was over, the slaughter at an end, and now at last a broken world could slowly start to mend. But among the celebrations, the cheerful happy cries, a multitude were weeping, no laughter in their eyes. For these there was no reason to share the festive mood, their hearts were bowed with sorrow, their every thought subdued. For while the throng around them gave vent to shouts of joy, they grieved a loving husband, they mourned their precious boy. they thought of dads or brothers, of cousins, nephews too, of uncles, colleagues, trusted friends, so many they once knew. So when some talk of glory, of mighty deeds once done, think also of the suffering with which it all was won. And when they speak of victory upon that glorious day, remember all those buried in fields so far away. It's true that time's a healer, and it was all long ago, it's true we've learned to live with the ones we once called foe; but many still are haunted by thoughts of those they lost, still struggling with their feelings, still counting out the cost. So if you would pay tribute and honour those who fell, then work for peace and justice, and make your freedom tell. There is no way more fitting we can repay the debt, nor better way of saying that we will not forget.

My name is Janis Erickson. I am a survior of abuse. I was in a 15 year marriage of verbal, emotional and physical abuse. My husband divorce me and I now am a spokesperson for battered women. I speak in the political arena, churches, nurses trainings etc. If anyone has a need of a speaker, I am willing to tell my story and help motivate victims and others to get help. You can contact me at the above address.

Respectfully, Janis Erickson

I have read the article from David Bennett on PTSD and I would like to inform you that David will be conducting a course of CISD entitled Emotional Decompression in Wigan for our volunteers to enable them to interact better with survivors of PTSD incidents. We have established a group and have trained our volunters to a high standard as non professional helpers to assist families who have members who have experienced Traumatic events and are suffering from PTSD. This support is offered as a listening ear to give them an opportunity to get unconditional support in an empathic environment.

As the holidays approach, those who suffer from PTSD can anticipate more symptoms. By recognizing and planning for this downswing, we can manage it.

love to join a ptsd group in south california area

Verbal abuse is more common than we know. Some people don't even know they are being abusive. I have abused and been abused

I was working on the 84th floor of the South tower of the WTC on 9/11/01. I have been out of work ever since due to PTSD. I go to counceling twice a week. I think he's a good councelor, because he has helped me with other issues (not related to 9/11)and i trust him. However, I am still suffering symptoms of PTSD, particularly nightmares, high anxiety, depression and worst of all panick attacks. I also have developed phobia's as a result of 9/11. I will not ride trains anymore, go above the 5 floor in any building or go to manhattan. Does anyone know how long these symptoms can persist. I'm feeling frustrated and discouraged. Thanks for your help and for listening

God Bless all the survivors/victims, we are few and far between that release ourselves as victims.

How do you join this group?

Great site, lots of information. Come to my site to fill in the blanks of information for persons looking for other types of PTSD self-help.

Need info on prolonged exposure to Non Combat Military PTSD. Similar to police, firefighters and EMS personnel

I came looking for some info about effects of surviving a very serious car accident (run off the highway by driver who panicked when he saw a deer coming toward his car!)..I was surprised to see that the author is at MSU...where I got my degrees! and wonder if he might know a support group here in Grand Rapids! Enjoyed reading this..not sure it applies to my situation but found good info. Thank you for this excellent site!

I wish you could send information to my siblings. For the last 30 years, all I ever heard was" Dont you think its time to get on with your life"They have never undersood, and I have been alone, never married,but I have childeren that needs family too.

Gift From Within is a treasure house of information; precise, reliable, accurate, dependable and practical! I am a christian counselor and a domestic violence class instructor to court-mandated clients. I in the business of prevention( if possible ) and recovery with healing; I need sound and practical information...Gift From Within answered the call! Thanks! Tommy Snow

I have finally found my people-thank goodness! What a wonderful site. I'm a little shy but when I get my courage up I may post some poems I recently have written. My thanks to you Joyce and everyone here for your poems and articles. But most of all not feeling alone any longer.

I am a military sexual trauma survivor. I have been so inspired by your site.

It appears that a combination of 9/11 and the increasing tension worldwide is resulting in a rash of incidents relative to explosive behavior or aggression. We have known for some time that persons suffering from PTSD are prone to violence and substance abuse. Unfortunately, almost any other stressors over time tend to serve as triggers for regression. This site is a life saver for many persons. We all have a responsiblity to make your work better known. A focused class in anger management is often useful to persons who find themselve losing control. Our website list providers nationwide who are trained in emotional intelligence,anger management, stress management and communication.

I am a Brit combat vet with chronic PTSD.I have been fighting for recognition in the UK of PTSD by our Government who treat veterans with this debilitating illness with distain. My war was in the Falklands in 1982, I am sorry to say that more Falklands veterans have now taken their own lives than were killed in action. I demonstrated at Downing street in 2000 and have recieved abusive e-mails and insults from ignorant people. I will not give up my fight until we are recognised as wounded the same as if we had been shot. I would like to thank my freinds the Vietnam veterans who have helped me in my battles, God Bless you and welcome home,

Mack.

i found much inside that helped, the poetry is amazing...thank you

I wrote yesterday that 7 years ago I found that there was therapeutic treatment in the US and this week I found a PTSD clinic in London wher I live, but can't access it because I don't live in the catchment area. I said that I would welcome messages of solidarity and support, and received two really helpful messages before my note dropped off your website. I hope that this was due to my incompetence in trying to edit it! Talking to other survivors on the internet is becoming a supportive personal space which balances the struggle for external resources that I find myself taking on over here.

Excellent site for resoruces as well as personal sharing and thankyou so much for all. I would like to trade links if you would care to? Please vist my site and see if you would agree? Good courage and you have produced GREAT support and help for many. Thankyou. Loved your Title, it is what drew me here.

Joyce only knows me through my writing, but she has always been very supportive to me. She listens to me quite well, lol. She is a good friend. She tries very hard to encourage me. If I listened half as well as she does I would have come here and signed this a long time ago, lol, my hardheadedness I guess.

I didn't know there was a site like this on the internet! I have been struggling with my problems for years, and this has been almost as good as group!

I found this site "giftfromwithin" by luck. I've been suffering from PTSD for several years, and I really find it very therapeutic reading that someone understands. I was a police officer for approximately 12 years and started having some real major problems in my life. I can't get enough info on PTSD. Thanks for caring.

I applaud your current campaign to prepare for an increase in recurring symptoms relative to 9/11.I already have you listed as a link to my site and I will quickly follow your lead and mention your efforts on my site.Thanks from all of us for your work.

Gift From Within provides information and hope to victims suffering from PTSD. The first step in dealing with this disorder is recognition. One of the most ominous symptoms of PTSD is a tendency to strike out at others in response to anger. As a Provider of anger management, we see a large number of persons who suffer from PTSD.

Joyce, Gift From Within is a tremendous... powerful... and resourceful work of your heart!!! Thank you for being here... :)... now. Hope you will visit me and link to my survivor page.

I am honored to 'meet' you.

Lightbearer

Congratulations on a great site. Keep up the good and steadfast work.

John M. Seryak M.Ed. Author: Dear Teacher, If You Only Knew! ( Adults Recovering From Child Sexual Abuse Speak To Educators.)

At this point in my life, I am aware that I have PTSD; all the other issues i deal with, phyically and emtionally, point to this. I have done 12 step work, therapy, marital counseling, and have to deal with a medical condition. Whenever i hear of this condition, it hits a nerve. I guess ther is no getting away from it now. But i embrace the journey that has and will take me back to the beginning, only now i am strong enough for it. and i am not alone.

Enjoyed my visit at your site! : ) I'd like to invite you to visit our site and join our group!  Everyone is Welcome!!

Great website. I work as Clinical Director for Separation & Loss and had knowledge about the website.

I am a PTSD patient and social anxiety disorders. Due to a violent crime aginst me while i was at work and I am trying to over come these hurddles to get back to me . The assailent is still on the loose so i am now basically a shut in now .He seen me and i seen him , so all the information and others i find with the same problem really do help . THANK YOU FOR HAVING THIS SITE .

I would just like to say that I found a few articles that were very helpful to me. I am doing a research paper on police stress for my internship and found your website to be very helpful.

I am a non-combat veteran with a moderate to serious case of PTSD. I was a very young man when I became a medic, and it was during the course of my duties that I became exposed to the myriad of ways that human beings can become traumatically injured or killed. After 4 years of blood and death I became numb to most stimuli, and in doing so, I lost myself. In the years since, I have been able to put back together some of the pieces, but I still am but a shred of who I once was. For everyone out there who shares the experience, hang in there. Life for the most part appears meaningless, but what else have we got?

I am a combat veteran with PTSD from the UK, I have PTSD support groups,,you may like to read my poetry at http://www.postpoems.com/members/mack619/

I JUST STARTED THIS,AND I AM EXCITIED THAT IT WILL HELP ME AND I WILL HELP OTHERS, IM A RAPE SURVIVER,AND MORE,I GOT TO THEREAPY WICH IS HARD,BUT A LONG PROCESS. DONNA

When I first was correctly diagnosed with PTSD, in 1999, I searched the entire internet for any and all information I could find. The Gift Within was one site I found and I still have information that I printed from 3 1/2 years ago. I got the Maya Angelou poem, "And Still I Rise" from this site and today it is on the wall in my home(done in calligraphy) in everyone's face when they walk in. This poem was and is such an inspiration and right now that is one of the greatest gifts I have received from visiting this site. I hope to be able to help with financial support from time to time to insure that this site is always here as a 'gift' to those, like me, who are searching for help with PTSD. Many, Many thanks for being here. And Still *I* Rise, in part thanks to this site.

It has been four years since I told my parents and confronted my brother about the sexual abuse. With a lot of support(friends, counsellor, books, pen pal, my own strength) I have become a person I can look in the mirror at and say I love you! It is a great feeling!! The road is still ongoing and probably always will be, but I feel good about how far I have come. Always praise yourself for the little steps you take because they are the ones that will help you the most. I just want to mention the two Books I have read "Courage to Heal" and "Do I Have to Give up Me to be Loved by God" last book by Margaret Paul. Keep your head high! We made it this far and We can all make it further!!

God bless you!

It's been one month since my biological family disowned me for speaking out, I have not yet cried and hope too soon, then i can fully recover, so i hope.

This is a wonderful site. Thanks for the information and resources. Stop by my site to learn more about Dual Disorders and Dual Diagnosis.

One of the more unexpected consequences of PTSD is an increase in person-directed violence. This includes road rage, child abuse,spousal abuse and substance abuse.

I am a 30 year old woman who has dealt with a life time of remembering childhood sexual abue. Origanally diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, I am fortunate to say those traits have subsided, and am now suffering from PTSD, anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia. I've been trying to find a hospital/treatment facility that is similar to a residential program and is long term. I need more intensive help then I've recieved from counseling. Can anyone help? Please contact my e-mail address. Thank you, and keep up the good work.

I am interested in learning how to break away from a narcissistic mother and sister.

Thank you for your website. It brought tears to my eyes as I browsed and feelings to the surface I have not felt in years.

I first became a victim of sexual abuse at the age of four when my grandfather raped and sodomized me. There were several other sexual abusers who followed throughout my life. As many victims can attest to, this led to a series of bad/failed relationships. My first marriage was abusive in every way immaginable, thus the domestic violence. I managed to get out before he killed me, which was a very real possibility (I now have his current wife, and her safety and well being, in my prayers every day). I am currently undergoing alcohol abuse treatment. My alcoholism started during and because of the abuse in my first marriage. As a result of this treatment I realized I still have a tremendous amount of rage inside of me that I have been suppressing all of my life (52 years). I had gone through counseling for the sexual abuse in the past and knew it would be an ongoing process for the rest of my life. I was diagnosed with PTSD at that time. I thought I was doing so much better, but I didn't realize the extent of my rage inside or that it would be so difficult to get rid of, nor did I really want to be rid of it. My alcohol counselor is now recommending anger therapy for me for fear I will relapse back into alcoholism, which I desperately do not want to do.

Your website will be a Godsend for me and I intend to mail in your form to obtain a pen pal this week. It will help tremendously while I continue on my journey of recovery. I will also share your site with my therapist.

Although the Red Cross is recognized for it's exceptional work in responding to disasters world wide, it is now recognizing that it's volunteers were not prepared to deal with the anger following the attacks of 9-11.The nature of these attacks triggered an unprecidented degree of fear,anger and sadness.Specif training in anger management rather than psychotherapy is needed for this part of the intervention

Hi. I work with an organization called the National Crime Victim Bar Association (NCVBA), which is part of the National Center for Victims of Crime. The NCVBA works with crime victims from around the country who are interested in pursuing justice through civil lawsuits. A great many of the crime victims that we work with (regardless of the type of crime they were subjected to), suffer from PTSD and other trauma-related injuries. The problem is that far too many lawyers do not have an adequate understanding of PTSD, and therefore, do not present the victim's case as effectively as possible in court. If you are a crime victim who is contemplating pursuing civil justice, please feel free to call us and we will attempt to connect you with lawyers who understand your situation. We can be reached through the National Center's toll-free line, 1-800-FYI-CALL. Good luck.

Thank you for your concise and readable information on a variety of trauma topics. BUT, most important, THANK YOU for your continuing work with trauma and secondary "survivors" of all kinds and in all walks of life. YOU ARE APPRECIATED!! By ALL of us. Paula P. Smith, Ph.D., disaster and critical incident responder (since Mt.St. Helens and most recently Walker County, Ga. crematorium, including NYC WTC) and board certified traumatic-stress specialist with ATSS

I have had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for 9 months. I have this disorder from witnessing my daughter's death on Aug. 3rd, 2001. We were ran off the road by another driver and wrecked our car in a concrete culvert. We were trapped in the car for an hour. I re-live the accident and remember the way my babygirl looked over and over and over. She was just 23 days shy of turning 4 and she was my life. I recently started a new medication and I am hoping it works for me.

I am a Victims Advocate and I also suffer from PTSD.I had a very stressful week and needed something to read plus calm my nervous energy.

Anger management is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after resources for Americans following the attacks of 9-11. Fear and stress are often followed by anger and PTSD. Providers of anger management nationwide have been overwhelmed with referrals for persons experiencing agitation, aggression and person directed violence.

You web site is greatly appreciated as in the late 80's there was not very much assistance for victims of crimes.

I lost my son in 1993 at age 22. He was shot, while in my home, many times and taken from me in an instant. Myself and two daughters thought we had to tough it our and would be OK. In March of 2000 I received a phone call that we were going back to court, I dropped the phone, fell on the floor, I couldn't believe it. That is when I was diagnosed with PTSD. This was a long time coming--or maybe it was there I just did not want to see it. With many prayers and help I continue to regain strenght and this web site is GREAT.

I am hoping to continue to gather strenght and also help other as I know there are too many of us in this space.

I just wanted to let you know I happened on your site by mistake, just surfing the net. My 15 year old daughter is a survivor of sexual abuse by her dad (he is still walking the streets, courts did nothing to him)and I printed the Survivor Psalm and had it put in a picture frame, she keeps this beside her bed. Also, I am a survivor of physical & mental abuse by her dad. It is a traumatic experience to go through whether it happens to you or someone you love dearly. A note to all the survivors in the world, "Hold your head high and remember that God Loves You, and through him and his wonderful Love you will be ok."

I just wanted to thank you for the information on domestic abuse. Very informative! Thank You

Does anyone have suggestions that would aid my lawyer in persuing a legal claim that I developed PTSD as a work related injury? During my 13 year tenure teaching in Minneapolis Public Schools, I was assaulted 3 times while trying to protect students from the anger of their peers. In 1998, I had 3 back surgeries in 3 months, culminating with a spinal fusion. I was diagnosed with PTSD in Nov. 1998, but discounted it and returned to work the following year. Physically, my pain increased, but the biggest problem seemed to be the lack of discipline within our building. The students had literally "taken over". On March 15, 2001, a male staff member was assaulted by a student and suffered a dislocated shoulder,(the first asault with injury since mine). I returned to work the following day, with extroidinary physical symptoms. I left school March 17th and have not returned since. I filed for work comp. & was told the district did not pay for that. I have the support of my psychiatrist and therapist, but feel my lawyer is scared to persue this in court. I'm not sure he understands PTSD and the sequence of events that led me to this position. Any help would be greatly appre

This is the first time I have viewed this site. As a trauma specialist, this resource will be invaluable. Thank you.

I AM A SURVIVOR OF 31 YEARS (most of the time)NOW AS I NEAR THE AGE OF 50 - I AM STUNNED AT THE PHYSCIAL STRENGTH MY BODY HAS ALLOWED ME TO HAVE TO GET TO WHERE I AM TODAY - AND IT IS AT THIS POINT I ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE HOW TIRED MY BODY IS FROM THE ALL TOO FAMILIAR PATTERN OF THE "TRIGGERS" THAT SET EVERYTHING IN MOTION. HOW LONG CAN SOMEONE'S BODY GO THROUGH THIS BEFORE SOMETHING MAJOR GIVES ???? IT'S GREAT TO FIND YOUR SITE, AND I WILL VISIT AND SUPPORT IT OFTEN.

Just a great positive note on the poetry section on your web site. You truely have some very talented people. Thank you, all, for sharing your most inner thoughts. I truely believe that your words can help others.

just wanna say thank you for this site....have been dx'd with ptsd for sometime now. coming here is encouraging. the poetry page and stories are very uplifting. thanks again....

I am looking to Email communicate with a 50's Saved Christian Man that has suffered from physical/mental/fear abuse from his father that lead to PTSD. Father being still alive is preferred. Please email me.

interesting site...thank you

I returned to finish veiwing the site & tried to sign up but could not. Let me know how. I was also written to by Sunshyne & tried to reply but my mail was returned. My prayers & hopes for blessing go out for her & her daughter. Thank you , "Kathy"

I am a surviour of Domestic Violence.I am very interested in assisting woman in or trying to get out of abusive relationships.

I'm close to 50 yrs. old & the "Healing Journey" is a lifetime process of facing the past, breaking the silence, letting go of outdated coing methods, learning positive coping methods, learning ways to get past just surviving, jouraling, artwork, support groups, therapy, staying connected to the moment, learning to live sometimes 1 minute at a time as the healing process begins to work & one day realizing "this is life" in the present day. I ;ost much from the ripple effects of being a survivor from the horrors of sexaul, mental & physical abuse from many family members. Your site is nice & clearly helps many from reading the guestbooks. I find it shows healing with "rose colored glasses" & barely touches on the HARD work a survivor endures in "breaking the silence". I've been in therapy since age 15, so my family could say "She's the crazy one." I am now happily married but I lost many a relationship over the years from breaking the silence, healing is worth it but the price is very high! I am glad you give such support & know many will find you useful. Keep up the good work. Blessings to all that have been hurt & those who are helping.

Thank you for your site. I am a survivor of retaliation for blowing the whistle on three state agencies within Oklahoma. My cases are still pending in court. I have not received any therapy for my diagnosis of PTS. My life has been invaded past recognition from the retaliators entering my car, home, hacking my computer and my personal account records. I had a large object thrown at my car that took out my radio antenna, and had it hit center of my windshield I would be dead. Thank goodness for sites like these who have people who understand what trauma can do to someone.

I was abused from the time I was 5 until I was 24. I am now 27. For as long as I can remember I have been diagnosed with depression, until last year. Anyone that finds out about my ptsd thinks I am crazy. I know that I am not. I don't know anyone personally who suffers from this but it sure does make me feel better to know that I am not the only one and to read their stories.

I found this information very useful. I am a survivor and self-publish a newsletter about DV.

I am trying to write a grant proposal to obtain funds for a long term, self-sustaining recovery home. Any suggestions, advise on resources, etc. would be appreciated.

I WAS VERY iMPRESSED WITH YOUR SITE. I HAVE WORKED WITH CISD & PTSD FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW, & I THINK YOUR SITE IS A WORK OF GOD, I FEEL THAT IT HELPS MANY WITH PTSD. IF I CAN BE OF ANY ASSISTANCE PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO SEND ME AN E-MAIL.

I've been in an abusive relationship for 22 years. Tried therapy, tried leaving twice (once landed me in the hospital and both times I was put on Prozac). I even went through counseling at Women in Distress. Two things happened recently that are finally helping. One, I told my Nurse Practitioner that Prozac did not help, that I needed something to just help me cope with the stress I was feeling as I am trying to leave again. She gave me an anti-anxiety pill that I take only when I need it. The second thing is realizing on my own that I had the symptoms of PTSD and finding your web site. It is such a relief to find someone (referring to Dr. Ochberg's "Understanding the Victims of Spousal Abuse") who really knows what I'm feeling and experiencing. I'm not sure where to go from here, but it's just wonderful knowing that someone finally understands. I'm frightened, I don't know how to handle all I'm suffering through or how to find a counselor that would be able to help me, BUT at least there is someone out there in email land who understands. Thank you.

I JUST SPENT THE PAST FEW HOURS READING MESSAGES FROM MANY ON THIS SITE. INCREDIBLE. EVERYONE THINKS THEY ARE ALONE AND YET SO MANY OF US SHARE THE SAME CONCERNS, THOUGHTS, PAINS AND SORROWS. WE ALL NEED TO KEEP WRITING AND TALKING TO HELP US HEAL.

I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON BRAIN INJURIES, FIBROMYALISA (SPELLING?)AND BACK INJURIES. I WAS A VICTIM IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT IN 1996 WHICH LEFT ME DISABLED WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE AND CAREER LESS. THEN MY DAUGHTER AT AGE 20 WAS IN A HORRIFIC AUTO ACCIDENT AND HAD BRAIN SURGERY AND SURVIVED BUT DISABLED. THE DOCTORS CALLED HER THE MIRACLE GIRL. OF COURSE SHE TOO HAS BRAIN INJURIES AND I AM SURE SHE HAS THE FIBRO WORD TOO AND I THINK SOME KIND OF POST TRAUMATIC SYNDROME TOO. I THINK I HAVE THAT TOO. AT FIRST I THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY AND DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO EXPLAIN HOW I FELT TO ANYONE. FINALLY I HAD A BRAIN SCAN WHICH EXPLAINED THAT. THEN I HAD A SPINAL INJECTION AND THAT EXPLAINED MY BACK INJURIES THAT CAT SCANS AND MRI'S DIDN'T SHOW. BUT I NEED MORE INFORMATION ON THE POST TRUMATIC SYNDROME TO UNDERSTAND IF WE HAVE THAT WHICH I BELIEVE WE DO.

ANOTHER ONE OF BOTH OF OUR GREATEST DISABILITIES ARE OR IS THE FACT THAT IF ONE IS TO LOOK AT US WE BOTH LOOK JUST FINE. SO TRYING TO EXPLAIN TO OTHERS WHY WE ARE DISABLED IS ALMOST RIDICULOUS. TRYING TO GET SSA OR SSI ETC... IS VERY DIFFICULT WITHOUT THE BRAIN SCANS AND OTHER PROOF BUT A SHAME BECAUSE SO MANY OF US ARE DISABLED WITH PROBLEMS THAT ARE NOT SEEN BY SIGHT ALONE. IF ANYONE CAN HELP PLEASE EMAIL.

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO WRITE BOTH OF OUR STORIES IN FULL. WHERE DO I DO THAT. I WOULD LIKE MY DAUGHTER TO SPEAK AT MADD CONVENTIONS SHARING HER STORIES. I AM IN PROCESS OF WRITING A BOOK AS WELL. I HOPE I CAN GET PUBLISHED TO HELP OTHERS WITH OUR STORIES. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME

GREAT SITE. I WISH I HAD FOUND EARLIER. I WISH THAT ALL WOULD READ AND MAYBE THEN MORE WOULD UNDERSTAND THE TRAUMA FAMILIES AND PEOPLE GO THROUGH EACH DAY DUE TO ALCOHOL AND DRIVING AND LOSES AND HURTS. ALSO UNDERSTAND WHAT VICTIMS DEAL WITH DAY TO DAY AND NO ONE SEES.

Nice Site, Joyce. AMAC is being reprinted, I'm updating resources and came across your site. Congratulations on a well-done, easily accessible site.

I didn't get to see a lot, yet. I have PTSD and would like to know more. If there is a cost...I can't because of an extremely limited income.

The Rand Corporation and a team of reseachers from UCLA have confirmed the dramatic increase in stress related disorders in response to the 9-11 attacks. We are now seeing an increase in self referrals to anger management programs throughout California. We must continue to work together to support those whose situations are exasterbated by this tradegy.

Jesus has been mighty good to me. I struggled with combat PTSD for close to 30 years today by the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ I have the Victory Minister joe