Aging Brain Care Program of the Indiana University Center for Aging Research. 2012. Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale. Regenstrief Institute. http://www.agingbraincare.org/uploads/products/ACB_scale_-_legal_size.pdf. This scale identifies anticholinergic medications.
Ashe, A., and A. Rampersad. 1993. Days of Grace: A Memoir. New York: Ballantine. About retaining inner peace and optimism, despite tragedy. By the dignified tennis champion who contracted AIDS from open-heart surgery.
Frankl, V. 2014. Man’s Search for Meaning. Boston: Beacon Press. The classic work on discovering meaning in one’s life out of suffering. Written by the Holocaust survivor who founded logotherapy.
Geisel, T. S. 1990. Oh, the Places You’ll Go! New York: Random House. Part of the Dr. Seuss series; a clever, humorous treatise on human growth and fallibility.
Gonzales, L. 2004. Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why. New York: W. W. Norton. Survival skills that transfer to everyday life, including surrendering to the situation, reasoned action, calmly taking responsibility, and persistence.
Kushner, H. S. 2004. When Bad Things Happen to Good People. New York: Anchor Books. A rabbi’s profound insights on suffering.
Lewis. C. S. 2015. A Grief Observed. New York: HarperCollins. Insights on enduring and recovering from the crushing loss of a loved one.
Marx, J. 2004. Season of Life: A Football Star, a Boy, a Journey to Manhood. New York: Simon and Schuster. Inspired by Viktor Frankl, former NFL star Joe Ehrmann teaches highly successful young athletes that manhood is not found in athletic prowess, sexual exploitation, or materialism, but in love and meaning.
Nhat Hanh, T. 2013. Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life. New York: Bantam. A peaceful monk’s practical ways to cultivate inner peace, joy, serenity, and balance.
Opdyke, I. G., and J. Armstrong. 2001. In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer. New York: Anchor Books. A stirring story of the courageous Holocaust rescuer who remained tender inside, despite incalculable suffering.
Petrie, A., and J. Petrie. 1986. Mother Teresa. DVD documentary directed by Ann and Jeanette Petrie. New York: Petrie Productions. Powerful modeling and universal messages of unconditional love, forgiveness, and faith.
Schiraldi, G. R. 2007. 10 Simple Solutions for Building Self-Esteem: How to End Self-Doubt, Gain Confidence, and Create a Positive Self-Image. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications. Combines cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, and ACT strategies. Based on the effective “Beyond 9/11: Stress, Survival, and Coping” course I taught at the University of Maryland.
Schiraldi, G. R. 2007. World War II Survivors: Lessons in Resilience. Ellicott City, MD: Chevron Publishing. Forty-one combat survivors explain how they preserved their sanity and the ability to function under many forms of extreme duress. Their lessons are applicable to all of us today.
Schiraldi, G. R. 2016. The Self-Esteem Workbook. 2nd ed. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications. Based on the successful “Stress and the Healthy Mind” course I taught at the University of Maryland. Detailed instructions for many effective skills.
ten Boom, C., E. Sherrill, and J. Sherrill. 2006. The Hiding Place. 35th anniversary ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Chosen Books. Imprisoned in the German concentration camps for rescuing Jews, Corrie ten Boom tells of living with compassion and courage in a world of hatred.
Vaillant, G. E. 2003. Aging Well: Surprising Guideposts to a Happier Life from the Landmark Harvard Study of Adult Development. New York: Little, Brown. Warm and powerful insights for adults of all ages on thriving mentally, physically, and socially, from what is generally considered the finest longitudinal study of lifetime development. Also by Dr. Vaillant are Adaptation to Life (1998) and Spiritual Evolution: A Scientific Defense of Faith (2008).
Wooden, J., and J Carty. 2005. Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success: Building Blocks for a Better Life. Ventura, CA: Regal Books. Wooden, who died at ninety-nine, was an extraordinarily successful and beloved athlete and coach who masterfully applied the principles of positive psychology. See also N. L. Johnson’s The John Wooden Pyramid of Success (2003), which includes more moving principles and wisdom.
Brooks, A. C. 2008. Gross National Happiness: Why Happiness Matters for America—and How We Can Get More of It. New York: Basic Books. An accomplished researcher draws from large and reputable databases, mostly from recent studies, to draw conclusions on topics ranging from politics to family and religious values as they relate to happiness.
Dalai Lama, and H. C. Cutler. 2009. The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living. 10th anniversary, updated ed. New York: Riverhead Books. Profound insights on self-esteem and compassion.
Emmons, R. 2007. Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier. New York: Houghton Mifflin. Provides scientific and religious underpinnings, plus practical guidelines for counting blessings in all circumstances.
Lyubomirsky, S. 2007. The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want. New York: Penguin Books. A masterful combination of solid research and practical, tested methods to enhance happiness.
HeartMath® Institute (800–711–6221; info@heartmath.com; http://www.heartmath.org/; http://www.heartmathstore.com). Located in Boulder Creek, CA. Provides books, videos, music, and other products related to heart coherence, as well as emWave products that enable you to monitor heart rhythms in real time as you practice HeartMath skills.
Do an Internet search using the terms “mindfulness” or “mindfulness-based stress reduction” to locate local resources.
Brach, T. 2003. Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha. New York: Bantam Books. A comforting guide.
Kabat-Zinn, J. 1990. Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. New York: Bantam Dell. Still the classic work.
Schiraldi, G. R. 2007. 10 Simple Solutions for Building Self-Esteem: How to End Self-Doubt, Gain Confidence, and Create a Positive Self-Image. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications. Includes instructions for mindfulness meditation within the context of self-esteem enhancement.
O’Malley, W. J. 2010. Building Your Own Conscience (Batteries Not Included). Allen, TX: Tabor Publishing. Principles, activities, and quotations that skillfully stimulate one to be aware of and grow a peaceful conscience.
The Nutrition Data website (http://nutritiondata.com) offers a user-friendly way to count calories in everyday foods and those found at restaurants and fast-food chains.
Christensen, A. 1999. The American Yoga Association’s Easy Does It Yoga: The Safe and Gentle Way to Health and Well-Being. New York: Touchstone. Instructions for gentle postures for the aged, injured, or inactive. Many can be done at your desk and are thus useful for all to relax and increase energy and flexibility.
Ross, D. D., and C. J. McPhee. 2008. Flow Motion: The Simplified T’ai Chi Workout. DVD. Directed by D. D. Ross and C. J. McPhee. Los Angeles: Lightworks Audio and Video. Gentle beginner’s workouts in tai chi, which has been found to lower blood pressure and improve fitness.
Fredrickson, B. 2009. “Positivity.” http://www.positivityratio.com. The twenty-question self-test by Dr. Fredrickson shows if your daily positivity ratio exceeds the target of three positive emotions to one negative one. Most don’t, but we can increase that ratio.
Siegel, R. D., and S. M. Allison. EDs. 2009. Positive Psychology: Harnessing the Power of Happiness, Mindfulness, and Personal Strength. Boston: Harvard Health Publications. Very effectively and succinctly traces the evolution of positive psychology, outlines major findings, and presents many practical skills.
University of Pennsylvania. n.d. “Authentic Happiness.” http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu. Contains various happiness questionnaires, including the VIA survey of character strengths, which identifies your top five of twenty-four character strengths. (Also visit http://www.viacharacter.org to rank all twenty-four strengths.)
Gilmartin, K. M. 2002. Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement: A Guide for Officers and Their Families. Tucson, AZ: E-S Press. Down to earth, often humorous.
Grossman, D., and L. W. Christensen. 2008. On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace. 3rd ed. Millstadt, IL: Warrior Science Publications. A very thoughtful treatise on knowing what to expect and how to prepare to kill, when that is required. Lieutenant Colonel Grossman’s On Killing (2009) is also recommended.
Kirschman, E. 2006. I Love a Cop: What Police Families Need to Know. Rev. ed. New York: Guilford Press. A balanced treatment of the stresses no one talks about, as well as many practical tips. Useful for both cops and their families. The author also wrote I Love a Fire Fighter (2004), which is very useful for firefighters and their families.
Schiraldi, G. R. 2012. The Resilient Warrior: Before, During, and After War. Ashburn, VA: Resilience Training International. The essential guide for anyone who is preparing to go to, is serving in, or has returned from a war zone—and their families.
Tick, E. 2005. War and the Soul: Healing Our Nation’s Veterans from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Wheaton, IL: Quest Books. Tick argues that PTSD is best understood as an identity disorder and soul wound, and moral pain is a root cause. This book is about how the honorable warrior soul is healed and reclaimed.
Schiraldi, G. R. 2016. The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook: A Guide to Healing, Recovery and Growth. 2nd ed. revised. New York: McGraw-Hill. Clearly explains and normalizes the symptoms of PTSD, explains the range of treatment options (for example, groups, professional, or self-managed) and how to find them, and provides a comprehensive listing of resources. Dr. George Everly, founding executive editor of the International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, calls it “The most valuable, user-friendly manual on PTSD I have ever seen. Must reading for victims, their families, and their therapists.”
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (240-485-1001; http://www.adaa.org). In Silver Spring, MD. Provides members with a list of professionals who specialize in the treatment of stress-related conditions. Also provides information about self-help and support groups in your area. Has a catalog of available brochures, books, and audiocassettes; puts out a newsletter; and puts on an annual national conference.
Intensive Trauma Therapy, Inc. (304-291-2912; http://www.traumatherapy.us). In Morgantown, WV. Skillfully combines hypnosis, video technology, and art therapy into one- to two-week intensive programs with excellent results. Also trains providers.
Mental Health America (formerly the National Mental Health Association) (703-684-7722; 800-969-NMHA; crisis line 800-273-TALK; http://www.NMHA.org). In Alexandria, VA. Provides a list of affiliate mental health organizations in your area that can provide resources and information about self-help groups, treatment professionals, and community clinics.
Seeking Safety (http://www.seekingsafety.org). A source for this method of treating the dual diagnosis of PTSD and substance abuse.
SIDRAN Institute (410-825-8888; help@sidran.org; http://www.sidran.org). In Baltimore, MD. Can help you locate psychotherapists specializing in PTSD and offer readings and other resources.
Garcia-Prats, C. M., J. A. Garcia-Prats. 1997. Good Families Don’t Just Happen: What We Learned from Raising Our 10 Sons and How It Can Work for You. Holbrook, MA: Adams Media Corporation. Principle-based skills, starting with respect between spouses.
Lundberg, G. B., and J. S. Lundberg. 2000. I Don’t Have to Make Everything All Better: Six Practical Principles that Empower Others to Solve Their Own Problems While Enriching Your Relationships. New York: Viking. A treasure chest of methods for relating to people. Learn how to walk alongside people emotionally (validating), rather than arguing or criticizing.
Lundberg, G. B., and J. S. Lundberg. 2002. Married for Better, Not Worse: The Fourteen Secrets to a Happy Marriage. New York: Penguin Books. Another down-to-earth treasure for creating a satisfying marriage.
Markman, H., S. Stanley, and S. L. Blumberg. 2001. Fighting for Your Marriage: Positive Steps for Preventing Divorce and Preserving a Lasting Love. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. From conflict resolution to increasing fun. Practical. Based on solid research.
Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP), Greenwood Village, CO (800-366-0166; https://www.prepinc.com). Offers resources for a loving marriage, such as Fighting for Your Marriage and other books as well as excellent, practical DVDs to help you develop communication skills, solve problems, and promote intimacy. The PREP program is well researched and respected.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (http://www.aasmnet.org; http://www.sleepeducation.com) lists hundreds of accredited centers and board-certified sleep specialists.
Thought field therapy founder Dr. Roger Callahan’s website: http://www.tfttapping.com/.
Outward Bound (866-467-7651; http://www.outwardbound.org). In Golden, CO. Since 1941 has offered courses in a range of challenging wilderness environments coupled with emotional support to inspire self-respect and care for others, community, and environment. Courses can be customized for survivors of violence, war, sexual assault, incest, cancer, substance-use disorders, mild traumatic brain injury, and grief.
Serve and Protect (615-373-8000, a 24/7 confidential hotline; http://www.serveprotect.org). In Brentwood, TN. Connects public service personnel (police, other emergency service personnel, and veterans) to trauma therapists, residential treatments, or other treatments (equine, canine, and so forth) as needed.