Flashback

by Coleman, Penny

• ISBN13: 9780807050408
• ISBN10: 0807050407
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-05-15
• Publisher: Beacon Pr

Summary

"In the early 1970s, Penny Coleman married Daniel O'Donnell, a young Vietnam veteran. It soon became clear to her that Daniel was deeply troubled. As their relationship began to unravel, Daniel tried to kill himself. Tragically, he was ultimately successful. Daniel was suffering from what we now call posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)." "Coleman then embarked on what became an extensive research project into combat-related PTSD and its relationship to veteran suicides. In Flashback, Coleman examines this tragic phenomenon and the ways in which American military government institutions both contributed to the veteran's trauma and failed to respond appropriately." "Interspersed between the chapters, Coleman includes narratives from other women - mothers, daughters, and wives - who lost loves one to PTSD-related suicide following the war in Vietnam. Each recorded experience gives a human face to the reality of living with a PTSD vet and the challenges of surviving his suicide."--BOOK JACKET.

Author Biography

Penny Coleman, the author of Village Elders, lives with her family in New York City.

Table of Contents

FOREWORD	ix
INTRODUCTION	1	(18)
Linda Robideau	13	(3)
Paula Elvick	16	(3)
CHAPTER ONE FROM IRRITABLE HEART TO SHELL SHOCK	19	(26)
Maryallyn Fisher	38	(4)
Jean-Marie Fisher	42	(3)
CHAPTER TWO PTSD AND MODERN WARFARE	45	(20)
Judy James	58	(3)
Joyce Garcia	61	(4)
CHAPTER THREE (WHY) WAS VIETNAM DIFFERENT?	65	(34)
Barbara Chism	92	(4)
Kim Chism	96	(3)
CHAPTER FOUR THE COLLAPSE OF THE ARMED FORCES	99	(30)
Emilia Parrish	122	(3)
Ruth Murtaugh	125	(4)
CHAPTER FIVE SUICIDE IN THE AFTERMATH OF VIETNAM	129	(28)
Debbie Paterakis	148	(4)
Gloria Fluck	152	(5)
CONCLUSION	157	(16)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS	173	(2)
NOTES	175	(34)
ADDITIONAL SOURCES	209	(4)
INDEX	213