Autobiography Transports Readers to a Dark World Many Know, But Rarely Speak About: PTSD

Aug. 1, 2012 - PRLog -- The Invisible Storm, by author Juanima Hiatt, depicts her battle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a condition that is sweeping the nation – affecting approximately 5.2 million people each year – yet remains tragically misunderstood.  Because of the stigma on PTSD, many people who suffer from this disorder live a concealed existence of pain, torment, and constant terror.  Denial keeps them from moving forward, and consequently, unable to heal.  Identities are shattered.  Families are shaken and divided while hopelessness prevails.  So what can be done?

Victims of PTSD need to know they’re not alone, that they have value, and there is hope for a better life.  They need to see that healing is possible.  Friends and family members need to understand the invisible storm raging inside their loved one, and what they can do – and should not do – to help.

Juanima Hiatt discloses her journey honestly and without restraint from the onset of PTSD, through stages of denial, acceptance, and the worst torment imaginable, to facing the monster – and her secret past of abuse – head on.  She then shares what it takes to heal, and how one can rise from a shattered existence to a place of healing and purpose.

Book Description:

In this powerful memoir, Juanima divulges a plunge into a darkness few are able or willing to speak about: the terrifying, anxiety-driven world of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her family unaware, Juanima endures abuse and multiple rapes as a child, and at nineteen years of age decides to lock the memories away into “the vault” – the darkest recesses of her mind – forever. But she discovers that no vault is strong enough to hold the secrets of her past when fourteen years later, the traumatic birth of her second daughter triggers their release. It’s not remembering the events that horrifies her the most – it’s reliving them. Keeping silent, and dealing with it alone brings confusion, distrust, and pressure from her family, and Juanima’s inner storm ultimately drives her to a crossroads of life or death. It’s the voice of a stranger that inspires her decision to fight for her life, and for the futures of her daughters. In vivid, bold honesty, Juanima Hiatt illuminates the unspeakable torment of PTSD, how it affects family and friends, and what it takes to recover from it. She bravely shares her story in hopes that others will be inspired to break their silence, fight against their fears, and discover the freedom beyond their pain.

THE INVISIBLE STORM (ISBN 978-1477430583) is available for $16.99 through the author’s website, http://www.theinvisiblestorm.com/buy-book, as well as Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

About the Author:  Juanima Hiatt lives in Oregon with her forever love, Michael, two incredible daughters, Lacey and Jordan, their dog, Danny, and cat Jasmine.  She is currently working on a novel, and will continue to fight for the causes of PTSD and childhood sexual abuse.

To contact the author or schedule an interview, email: juanimahiatt@gmail.com