Sally Clarkson's Account Is a God Send

Sally Clarksons, "Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him" proves that being different is not an awful thing.  Her true account of her son who suffers from learning disabilities along with anxiety and OCD will inspire other parents who are going through the same experiences.  She pushes out the negative comments presented to her about her son's condition and she rely's on her faith in God to accentuate the positive.  Mom and son's love grows as they take this journey together.  I was given the wonderful opportunity to review this book for the Tyndale Network.  As a young adult I was diagnosed with chronic concurrent depression and panic disorder.  At the time my therapist had asked me if anyone in my family had noticed any difference in me while I was growing up.  That was over forty years ago and I honestly told my psychologist that my parents just thought that I was emotional and sensitive.  After reading Sally Clarkson's biography, I felt that so many more individuals could be helped by her sharing her story and inwardly I was jealous that this type of material was not available as I was growing up.  This is a superb read.  I highly recommend.

'"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 ~

Billy Graham in Quotes

   At 92 years old, Billy Graham is still reaching out to individuals to find true contentment in giving their lives over to God.  In this newest project, "Billy Graham in Quotes" Franklin Graham and Thomas Nelson gather his most thought provoking quotes (covering seven decades of  ministry) to inspire those with a listening ear.  As a fan of quotes, I believe these truly will make an impact on the reader.  Billy Graham does not mince words but boldly states the truth as found in the Bible.  This book contains many chapters with quotes on numerous subjects which still afflict individuals.  To name a few:  addiction; abortion; anger; anxiety; angels; compromise; death; grief and grace are just a spec of the subjects embarked upon.  With 433 pages altogether, this book is great to serve as a tool to have as you experience different difficulties in life.  It does not necessarily have to be read straight through.  I encourage those who struggle with reading to buy this book as you can gain a lot of knowledge by reading small chapters.  I have had the wonderful privilege of reviewing this book for Book Sneeze online.  Yes, I 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.