There are so many people in the world suffering from Post Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to traumatic events that have happened in their lives, for example, a terrific occurrence like surviving a near-death accident, and long periods of torture and harassment, among other many possible triggers. Such people end up having their whole life altered by the occurrence, and some even end up committing suicide, not that no one tried to help, but they that tried helping did it wrong. Doctors and therapists all over the world have been treating PTSD in the wrong way by trying to treat the symptoms by injecting opium and administering strong medication, when all the victims need is the space and pace to heal. It is this fallacy professionals hold, that the current methods used to treat PTSD are effective when they’re not, that H. Nattanya Andersen seeks to address in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Fallacy.
The book was well researched. The writing exhibited a touch of professionalism as the author wasn’t just writing from her emotive intuitions. Even though she could have written out of her past frustrations with the failure of treatment of her own PTSD condition, she did not. Yes, she did to an extent, but she didn’t let that be the basis of her arguments. Instead, she researched everything in numerous books and from numerous researchers and professionals in a bid to find the truth. It won’t be uncommon to meet several quotes from books, documents, and articles in the book.
Another thing that I loved was that the author gave us her side of the story, and that made me understand why she is so resentful of the current treatment and therapy methods that have been approved to be used all over the world. She once worked in the aviation industry and survived a near-death experience in a Boeing airplane. That immediately triggered PTSD and her efforts looking for healing bore no fruits. Her own company seemed to be imposing the conventional methods on her even though it was apparent they were not working. Finally, she stopped the therapy sessions altogether and, by accident, discovered what worked for her.
Even though the book is a product of thorough research, the professionalism seemed to have been clouded by the author’s bitterness and resent. From her tone, she sounded like she was attacking the treatment methods rather than pointing out what was wrong. Don’t get me wrong, she explained what she had discovered to work, but her resentful tone was too conspicuous.
The book was professionally edited as I didn’t notice any errors. Even though I would have appreciated it if the author sounded more civil in her tone, I didn’t hate the book because of it. The book was also well researched and the author gave us a glimpse of her background and experience with PTSD therapy too. Weighing all these factors, I give the book a 4 out of 4 since I don’t see any noteworthy reason to give a lower rating.
The book would be great for those who want to know more about PTSD therapy, and why most don’t work. You could also try the author’s methods on yourself but I choose to hold that they might not work on another person.