Restoring hope for families of veterans with PTSD

 

Welby O’Brien offers practical wisdom for
families facing the daily challenges of PTSD

Affecting millions in the U.S. alone, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is rampant and escalating at an alarming rate. For the sufferer facing this disorder, life is fraught with stress, anxiety, difficulties and heartache. However, for every one person struggling with PTSD, there are many more friends and family members who are also deeply and profoundly impacted. Author Welby O’Brien offers help and hope to families of PTSD sufferers in Love Our Vets: Restoring Hope for Families of Veterans with PTSD (Deep River Books/2nd edition/ISBN: 9781940269597/$15.97).

Misconceptions and stigmas abound — many people believe PTSD is “all in their head,” or have misinformation regarding the seriousness of the condition. However, Love Our Vets reveals anyone who has been involved in a traumatic event can be affected by the disorder, and if someone has seen war, he or she probably has some level of PTSD. While others may not have PTSD themselves, if they are living with someone who does, they are, in fact, suffering from it as well.

Now families have a comprehensive, practical book solely dedicated to addressing their specific needs. As a counselor and wife of a 100% disabled veteran with PTSD, O’Brien offers hope, encouragement and practical help for families and loved ones caught in the wake of the trauma. Love Our Vets addresses a broad spectrum of issues and concerns while offering realistic wisdom from a wide variety of individuals who share their hearts from experience. Readers will find answers to more than 60 heartfelt questions, such as:
  • What about his or her constant negativity?
  • How can I get friends and family to understand?
  • When does my compassion and big heart help, and when does it do damage?
  • How much do we tell our kids, and what can we say to help them?
  • As parents of a veteran, when should we take action, and when should we back off?

 Written from a Christian perspective, Love Our Vets addresses a broad spectrum of issues and concerns while purposely not including scripture references or overtly religious language many who struggle with PTSD try to avoid. In doing so, O’Brien explains that it allows the book to be utilized by the VA and veteran organizations. At the same time, the book invites readers to explore further at www.loveourvets.org, which offers a wealth of faith-based resources.

In addition to addressing commonly asked questions, Love Our Vets also provides much-needed tips for caregivers on taking care of themselves and reflections of those who have walked the same road. Not just another book about PTSD, this updated second edition of Love Our Vets is a tremendous resource for those who struggle heroically alongside their vets to face the day-to-day challenges and victories of life.


Advance Praise

“This is the best book on PTSD and vets I’ve ever read. Anyone who works with vets or is related to a vet needs this book. You won’t regret it. Welby O’Brien is honest, insightful and incredibly compassionate. Gutsy and sensitive. Absolutely fantastic!”  
~ Dr. Steve Stephens, Ph.D., counselor, professor, author

“This is by far the BEST book on the market for individuals, spouses and families dealing with PTSD!”  
~ Jerry Paulsen, Veteran and CEO of Operation Horses and Heroes



About the author

Welby O’Brien has a master’s degree in counseling from Portland State University and a teaching degree from Biola University. She has been featured as a guest speaker across the country and interviewed on radio and TV. Welby initiated and continues to facilitate the national support network known as Love Our Vets — PTSD Family Support.

O’Brien has authored several books, including Formerly a Wife and Good–bye for Now, as well as contributed to Chicken Soup for the Soul and Shepherding Women in Pain. As the wife of a veteran who suffers from PTSD, O’Brien stumbled alone in the dark for years, desperate for
guidance and support. Through her latest book, Love Our Vets: Restoring Hope for Families of Veterans with PTSD, she shares the lifelines of hope that helped her in her own journey with PTSD.

O’Brien is crazy about her husband, who is a 100% disabled veteran. They live in Portland, Oregon, and together find fulfillment as they face the daily challenges of PTSD.



Learn more about more about Love Our Vets and Welby O’Brien at www.LoveOurVets.org or on Facebook (LoveOurVetsPtsdFamilySupport).

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