Grieving the Loss of a Loved One ~

                 Kathe Wunnenberg offers a resource of daily comfort as individuals face each day without their loved ones.  She successfully shares personal experience along with scripture to help her readers tackle the roller coaster of emotionals a person goes through while grieving.  This book would make a marvelous gift for anyone whose beloved has died.  I could never figure out why individuals spend a fortune on flowers which are here and gone tomorrow.  Kathe's book would last a long time and be a help in aiding the healing process.  I have read many books on grieving and feel Ms. Wunnenberg's deserves highest honor.
Today I will be attending my cousin's mother's funeral.  My cousin, Teri and I are very close.  In the course of this last year, her father passed away and than her son died and now her mother.  I will be giving her this book, Grieving the Loss of a Loved One in hopes that it comforts her throughout this difficult past year.
I highly recommend.  I had the honor of reading for BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.

'"Freeing Your Child from Anxiety"' Is Not The Bible on Panic Disorder

Tamar E. Chansky's book, Freeing Your Child from Anxiety Revised & Updated Edition loudly proclaims the mind over matter approach.  Although there are many rewarding benefits to teaching your children to be positive and to have courage in the wake of panic disorder; I know that it is just not that simple or realistic.  I beg to differ from the writer on a number of stances.  As a recovering agoraphobic I am still on a very small amount of anti-anxiety medication to keep the attacks at bay.  Ms. Chansky  regards medication as a quick fix to be used only on a short term basis.  Please note here that it is imperative a psychiatrist make such determination and prescribe the appropriate medication for each individualized case.  Family doctors are not equipped with all the knowledge about anxiety disorder.  From my personal experience, medication alone will not resolve the deep seated issues relative to panic disorder.  The best resolution for long term success is cognitive therapy along with medication.  Group therapy does wonders in supporting individuals with this affliction.  The author of the above book also downplays the significance that genetic's play in diagnosing anxiety disorder.  She believes that panic is a physiological response yet it is included in the DSM III manual of Mental Disorders.  My argument here being that for years depressed people have been told that if they only change their thoughts by those ignorant to the complexity of chemical imbalances in the brain.  This way of thinking is regarded among those who are have no clue about mental disorders and has made it near impossible to go beyond the stigma that still exists today.  My father suffered from anxiety and panic disorder his adult life and by choice he never sought treatment.  I after struggling with housebound agoraphobia for four years found an amazing psychologist who was willing to do housecalls until I was confident enough to get to his office.  Within two years of therapy and medication I was able to make a 180 degree and live a normal life.  I went back to college and made it on the Dean's list followed by a rewarding career.  I also now take solo trips around the United States.  My daughter was recently diagnosed with panic disorder and agoraphobia and she has began treatment.  None of us had any symptoms until we were in our early twenties which for me discounts this book largely on the fact that children are way too young to appropriately be diagnosed with anxiety disorder due to their bodies are still changing.  My review would give this new book a C+ in grading.  Tamar Chansky Ph.D. enlighten's the audience with the meanings of different anxiety disorders and I am impressed with the support victims receive through family members as outlined in this book.  I was given the opportunity to review for Blogging for Books.  To learn more about the author  Tamar Chansky Ph.D ~

Depression~Why You Just Can't Snap Out of It

        If you have ever been plagued by the dark clouds of depression and felt that there was no more hope or nowhere to turn, Gregory L. Jantz PHD will help you understand the pitfalls of this chemical imbalance and how you can appropriately get the help you need.  This book is also highly recommended to those who have family members with this disease.  Contrary to popular belief, an individual with a mental disorder cannot just wish it away although well meaning friends and relatives will expect them to do so.  This stellar book will open your eyes to the fact that depression is a chemical imbalance which needs to be treated appropriately by a psychiatrist and/or psychologist.  Depending on the degree and determination of the type of depression, most likely the doctor will prescribe anti-depressants and therapy.  The important fact is to realize, the afflicted can get better.  Many who have went through treatment are more content in their lives than those who never experienced the difficulties they went through.  Dr. Jantz outlines all the symptoms of depression so that the reader can interact.  He includes written lessons for the victim to do as well as giving them questions on what they have learnt.  This book will prove to be a blessing to all those who read it.  I was given the pleasure to review from Walterbrook Multnomah Blogging For Books Program.

Overcoming The Most Painful and Restricting Emotion A Person Can Carry

         Guilt stifles and imprisons it's victims.  Guilt stops individuals from reaching their goals as they wade in self-loathing.  Guilt destroys all self worth and can even lead to deep depression, a nervous breakdown, addictions and even suicide.  For myself, guilt was the most debilitating  force I experienced in my life which attributed to my becoming a housebound agoraphobic.  Clinical Psychologist Everett L. Worthington Jr. describes the beauty of the Gospel and Christ's death on the cross which frees us of the bondage of guilt.  His book is a God Send for all those afflicted with doubts about forgiveness.  Moving Forward - Six Steps to Forgiving Yourself and Breaking Free from the Past examines the difference between real and unwarranted  guilt (those things we have no control over but blame ourselves).  He presents the reader with a path to stop beating themselves up over the past.  Using Scripture as his basis, he sites examples of other individuals who have benefited by his tools.  Although this excellent book was not available when I was younger, I was able to obtain a stellar psychologist who helped me through my dark period and I successfully overcame my depression and agoraphobia.  It's important for the reader to realize we all make mistakes and none of us are worthy of  redemption but because of  God's love, we are saved through his Son.  Guilt was meant to remind us to remain humble and if we fall that we ask for forgiveness and to go on and not repeat the same mistakes.  Dr. Washington skillfully guides the reader to reach self-forgiveness and once this door is open, you will be able to accept the loving forgiveness of God.  Your burdens will be lifted and finally you will be able to love more freely with your new self-acceptance.  It's time to move on and enjoy life as God wants you to.  This book is essential for a healthy self-esteem.  I am grateful for Waterbrook Multnomah for the opportunity of reading this in advance.  I highly recommend .

Rebekah Lyons Criticizes Treatment for Depression Will Send Wrong Message

                  

 

As a former housebound agoraphobic due to chronic anxiety attacks and concurrent depression it was difficult for me to read Rebekah Lyons Freefall to Fly  A Breathtaking Journey.  Her book covers her struggles with anxiety and depression but she does not seek professional help and discourages anyone who uses antidepressants.  Instead of being uplifting I felt this book proposed it was wrong to get the appropriate treatment which is available.  Unfortunately there is a lot about mental illness she does not know and should not be making unfounded suggestions.  Its sad because this just contributes to the ignorance that is already associated with depression.  I am a Christian who believes that God blesses doctors with the knowledge they have to treat them,  Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain, therefore medication is given to stabilize it's victims just as a person who is diabetes needs insulin.  Once I got the appropriate treatment which was a combination of therapy, medication and prayers I overcame the agoraphobia.  Mine is such a success story that it ended up in The Detroit News.  To discourage anyone who is suffering from depression from seeking treatment is just wrong.

This is one of the few books I highly do not recommend.