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Self-Help Books for Teens of Struggling PTSD Parents
OPERATION PURPLE
Chooses Alum's Book
to Help Youth
of Injured Soldiers
Survive and Thrive
When adults experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), who pays attention to their confused teenagers? To whom do they turn for help?
These are the questions that prompted Dr. Michelle Sherman, a clinical psychologist, and her mother, teacher and St. Kate's alum DeAnne Boeltl Sherman '67, to write Finding My Way: A Teen's Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has Experienced Trauma. So outstanding and needed is the book that it has been chosen as a camp resource by OPERATION PURPLE, a free summer camp for military children sponsored by the National Military Family Association (NMFA), to be put into use the summer of 2008 for children whose parents have been seriously wounded.
 As Dr. Sherman treated military familes, she noticed how the depression, sometimes erratic behaviors and anger, and often times alcohol/drug abuse associated with the PTSD of parents were affecting their children. Although at times the parents dealt with the distress in their young children, teens often stood out alone, feeling confused and partially responsible for the things they cannot control. When they act out, they are blamed, starting a descending circle of problems. But this book offers hope and practical ways to cope and get out of this destructive cycle. "When my daughter invited me to write these books with her, I realized that we had a chance to really make a difference in the lives of these vulnerable youth," says Boeltl Sherman. "Although this was an exciting and challenging venture, I also felt a huge responsibility and urgency to do it well and to get them into the hands of the right people. The more aware I became of the need, the more my passion grew to educate, empower, and provide hope for these teens and their families."
Deb Fryar, former deputy of governmental affairs from the NMFA, said: "I have found few resources that help military youth deal with the reality of war and candidly address traumatic concerns the way this book does! This is an essential tool for military kids who have a parent deployed to a combat zone. I would encourage military parents to read this book and give a copy to their teenagers." The Shermans hope to find funding to provide 500 copies for this year's campers, and counselors will be trained in how to use the book with the youth.
PTSD and Mental Illness Are More Common Than Known
The range of traumatic experiences that can prompt PTSD is quite broad -- it includes military combat, car accidents, natural disasters and terrorism, sexual assault and domestic violence, school shootings and many others. That is why PTSD may affect not only returning soldiers, but also everday citizens, women and children who have been abused, fire fighters, medics, police officers, burn and emergency unit professionals, and chaplains. Although most people experience some traumatic events in their lives, research has found that for various reasons about 8% of people go on to develop PTSD.
It is hardly surprising that the rate is higher for those who have experienced the ongoing trauma of combat. In a large study at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 15 to 17% of the returning service members met the criteria for PTSD, major depression, or generalized anxiety disorder. In addition, 24-35% admitted to using more alcohol than they intended.
 When a Parent Struggles with Mental Illness,
Everyone in the Family Struggles
The ripple effects of a parent's trauma, or other mental illness (such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addiction), can be traumatic for the entire family. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about 20% of Americans experience one of these disorders at some time in their lives.
Dr. Sherman observes: "Everyday life in these families can be confusing and frightening. Nothing feels the same as it was before the trauma or onset of the illness. Many youth live every day with uncertainty, embarrassment, anger, shame, sadness, guilt, and fear." Teens who must try to make sense of the world and determine their own choices are left floundering. They ask:
- What is this all about?
- Why is it happening to me?
- How do I survive amid this confusion?
- What do I tell my friends?
- How can I make my parent better?
Research has shown that youth growing up with parents dealing with emotional problems are at greater risk of having behavioral or emotional problems themselves.
Seeds of Hope Books
In response to the tremendous need, the Sherman and Sherman mother-daughter team, created a series of books called Seeds of Hope Books. After Finding My Way, they then wrote: I'm Not Alone: A Teen's Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has a Mental Illness. Both of their books are addressed to teens but are useful for anyone working with teenagers (e.g. parents, mental health practitioners, counselors, youth workers, support group leaders, and teachers). The books follow a three-part, easy-to-read workbook format:
- Part One -- explains the illness and associated affects, and describes numerous response and treatment options.
- Part Two -- presents numerous interactive exercises that encourage teens to reflect upon their responses and reactions. They are guided through the process of learning coping tools and seeing options, support, and hope for a better home life.
- Part Three -- provides answers to frequently asked questions, a glossary, and an extensive resource list.
Sprinkled throughout the text are real-life examples and writing exercises for the youth to process their thoughts and feelings.
 DeAnne Boeltl Sherman's New Vocation
Graduating from St. Catherine's with a major in French, Boeltl Sherman also trained as a dancer and choreographer. After several years as a high school French teacher, she owned and operated her own dance studio, where she taught and mentored junior high and high school students in dance and other performing arts.
"Whether teaching French or dance, or helping teens reclaim their lives, it's all about education, and St. Kate's gave me a solid foundation upon which to develop my teaching skills," she notes. "My advisor, beloved Sister Mary Henry, inspired and encouraged me every step of the way. Her guidance and confidence helped me to grow and share the education and values I received at St. Kate's.
Now Boeltl Sherman spends her time presenting at workshops, promoting the books, and training people in how to use them. She has joined forces with Gail Mossman, the Child and Youth Coordinator of the Minnesota National Guard, who said "When our deployed soldiers begin to come home, there will be thousands of kids in Minnesota who will need your book."
"My mission has always been to educate, affirm, encourage, and cherish each of my students, whether in the classroom, dance studio, or on the stage," says Boeltl Sherman. "The Seeds of Hope Books are now a new way to do this."
A mother whose teenage daughter has used the Shermans' books said: "Your book has made all the difference in my child's life --it's like night and day. Now she knows that she is not alone and that it's okay to be mad at her Dad. She also realizes that therapy works."
To purchase a copy of Finding My Way or I'm Not Alone, you can visit the web sites of Seeds of Hope Books or Bookhouse Fulfillment, a division of Beaver's Pond Press, Inc.
| Comments on the Books from Professionals
Finding My Way
"Knowledge is a powerful tool that can limit fear. This compassionate, empowering, one-of-a-kind book will prove invaluable to teens who are struggling to find their way."
Lisa Bekemeyer, M.A. Educator, Wisconsin
"An extremely practical and compelling guide which embodies extensive research and clinical wisdom. Most importantly, it's written from the heart as a gift to families struggling with the aftermatch of trauma."
Lieutenant Commander Tim Reimann, United States Navy Reserve
"This hands-on book is ideal for any teen whose parent has lived through a traumatic life event. The clinical and educational expertise of the mother-daughter Sherman team shines through. Based on well-grounded scientific and clinical knowledge, the book is accessible and welcoming to the reader."
Jennifer Vasterling, Ph.D, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Neruology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center; Associate Director for Research of the South Central Mental Illness Research Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
"Every day millions of young people experience violence in their homes. This book offers skills to teens in a blame-free, age appropriate manner. A very important book -- the first of its kind. I intend to place copies in all domestic violence programs in Oklahoma."
Macia Smith, Director of the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
"Devastating events can greatly affect emergency personnel. Families need to know that it is ok to seek help. This book will be a staple not only in my firehouse but in my own home as well . . . tremendously beneficial.
Stew Shepard, Captain of the Apple Valley Fire Department, Minnesota
I'm Not Alone
"My teenagers and I felt like the 'walking wounded' when my husband first got sick...I love the workbook style of this book and find it very hopeful and respectful. This book provides a lot of tools youth can use to cope; this is a wonderful work."
Leslie S.
"What an amazing resource for young people, families, and professionals! It should be on the shelf of every mental health professional who works with families. This easy-to-read book provides an excellent toolbox for young people and will help improve the quality of their lives."
Teresa Peden, MPH, MAMFT, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Oklahoma
"A calming, outstretched hand in the middle of an emotional storm...it offers to teens who may feel that they are walking on a tightrope and their lives are out of control. Written in respectful, encouraging language that any teenager would find helpful.
Marcia Hayes, Executive Director of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Oklahoma
"How wonderful to have a resource that will help so many children...kids who don't understand and feel all alone. This book reminds youth that they should never give up HOPE."
Mary McCormick, Consumer Advocate, Texas |
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