FACT:  The results of a recent military study show that 20% of soldiers returning from service in Iraq are suffering from PTSD.


FACT:  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 7.7million American adults ages 18 to 54 have PTSD.

What’s the story?
Whether a cause of war, physical and sexual abuse, or natural disaster, those that live through crises often have one thing in common:  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Debilitating and stressful, this mental disorder touches family members and loved ones who must re-learn how to interact with the victim.   Offering much needed assistance to support  a growing market, THE POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER RELATIONSHIP:  How to Support Your Partner and Keep Your Relationship Healthy (Adams Media; August) by noted Ph.D., Diane England helps couples navigate PTSD and learn how to have a loving relationship in spite of the disorder.    

What does it mean for your audience?
A war veteran or plane crash survivor needs a partner more than ever.  But, PTSD paralyzes relationships in a frightening way.  With this book as their guide, readers will learn how to:

•    Deal with emotions regarding their partner’s PTSD
•    Talk about the traumatic event(s)
•    Communicate about the effects of PTSD to their children
•    Handle sexual relations when a PTSD partner has suffered a traumatic sexual event
•    Help their partner cope with everyday life issues

An expert with particular interest in the topic of PTSD—after having worked with military families for five years at a NATO base—Diane England hopes her book will start an important dialogue between those suffering from PTSD and their partners.  “I was motivated to write a book that starts the healing process,” England states.

Who is the author?
Dr. England holds a PhD in clinical social work from the University of Texas at Arlington. In addition, she has a Masters degree in family studies from Oregon State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in child development from the University of Maine. She is a licensed clinical social worker who has practiced as a psychotherapist. She has also held other positions that provided opportunity to educate individuals on how to strengthen themselves, their marriages, and their families.