It’s hard to pick up a newspaper without reading about traumatic events, from military action in Iraq to hurricanes to domestic violence to school shootings. Over half of all people experience a traumatic event in their life, and about one in eight American families has a parent dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When one person in the family has experienced trauma, everyone is affected.

Life with PTSD can be confusing and frightening. Nothing feels the same as it was before the trauma. Many teenagers live with uncertainty, embarrassment, anger, shame, sadness, and fear, asking, “What is this all about? Why is it happening to me? What do I tell my friends? How can I make my parent better?”

These youth and their families need support and hope. Despite the challenges involved in dealing with trauma, going through difficulties can bring families closer. Both parents and children may discover strengths, resiliency, and courage that never would have surfaced otherwise. Families can grow by communicating openly and supporting one another so they can navigate future difficulties more effectively.

Michelle Sherman, Ph.D., clinical psychologist in Oklahoma City, and DeAnne Sherman, her mom and a teacher, have written a new book to support these families. Finding My Way: A Teen’s Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has Experienced Trauma is a first-of-its-kind interactive workbook that provides clear information, opportunities for reflection and journaling, tips on healthy coping skills, help in identifying supportive people and in dealing with friends, and, most importantly, encouragement and hope.

To learn more or to purchase the book, visit SeedsOfHopeBooks.com or call 800-901-3480.

Dr. Michelle Sherman is the Director of the Family Mental Health Program at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, the co-chair of the Family Studies Team of the South Central MIRECC, and a clinical associate professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.