Publishers Weekly
05/13/2019
Jain, a psychiatrist who specializes in PTSD, draws on her experiences working with sufferers of the disorder to outline a commonly misunderstood problem and its possible solutions. At a time when millions of Americans have suffered from trauma, this work sheds light on the symptoms of PTSD as well as the different types of treatment currently available, among which the “gold standard,” in her view, is cognitive behavioral therapy. Describing symptoms such as flashbacks and increased anxiety, Jain argues that “the goal of treatment should be to help survivors thrive in their new normal.” She also explores the diverse types of trauma that can lead to PTSD and related disorders, through stories from people she has treated. These include a woman traumatized by both her infant’s death from sudden infant death syndrome and by being blamed by her parents and ex-husband for the death, and a man whose memory of witnessing, over five decades before, a racially motivated assault suddenly manifests itself in late-onset stress symptomatology. This instructive resource can be recommended not only for those who have personal experiences with PTSD and trauma, but for anyone interested in learning more about the disorder and how it affects society. (May)
From the Publisher
[A] comprehensive survey of the state of knowledge concerning PTSD. . . . Jain carefully lays out what can be said with confidence about [PTSD]…and what is more speculative, all with an eye to potential cures. . . . Given epidemic anxiety and stress disorders, this is a timely book that will greatly interest those who suffer from [PTSD] as well as family members and medical practitioners.” — Kirkus Reviews
“This instructive resource can be recommended not only for those who have personal experiences with PTSD and trauma, but for anyone interested in learning more about the disorder and how it affects society.” — Publishers Weekly
“Jain asserts that the importance of accessible treatment and early intervention for PTSD cannot be overstated, while also emphasizing the genuine healing value of empathy and simply listening.” — Booklist
An atlas of the elusive yet very common condition of PTSD, The Unspeakable Mind makes for an engrossing read in which Jain serves as our trusted guide, deconstructing the entity known as PTSD symptom by symptom. She deftly weaves riveting depictions of patient encounters with her rich and informed observations to reveal how PTSD goes far beyond issues of mind and brain—it is interwoven into our physical well-being, quality of life, and exerts an insidious influence over our culture and society. Dr Jain’s beautiful prose illuminates this widely misunderstood condition and makes for fascinating reading. It is a must for anyone who has a survived trauma, their loved ones and the healthcare professionals who care for them. — Irvin Yalom, M.D., Emeritus professor of Psychiatry, Stanford University and bestselling author of When Nietzsche Wept
“Shaili Jain has written a wonderfully creative mixture of handbook on trauma, research report, personal memoir, and cultural commentary. The result is a thoroughly engaging book about the hardest parts of life presented gently, beautifully, insightfully, and with wisdom.” — Edward Hallowell, M.D., co-author of the New York Times bestseller Driven to Distraction
“In The Unspeakable Mind, noted psychiatrist and scholar Shaili Jain, presents an absorbing and comprehensive account of one of the scourges of our modern age. Anyone suffering from PTSD - or their loved ones - should read this book to learn, understand, and heal.” — Sandeep Jauhar, M.D., New York Times bestselling author of Heart: A History
“Shaili Jain’s The Unspeakable Mind is a riveting conversation about trauma and PTSD. It is a very personal narrative built around Dr. Jain’s clinical experiences as well as the story of her family’s trauma during the partition of India in 1947. She has skillfully embedded a comprehensive review of the relevant science and practice in the field that will thoroughly captivate and enlighten readers.” — Matthew J. Friedman MD, PhD, Senior Advisor (and Former Executive Director), National Center for PTSD & Professor and Vice-Chair for Research, Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
“Highly recommended for a wide variety of readers, but especially to those who may have undergone trauma or the family members with whom they share their lives. . . . Told in a compassionate and humanistic manner that makes the pain of this condition come alive for the reader.” — New York Journal of Books
New York Journal of Books
Highly recommended for a wide variety of readers, but especially to those who may have undergone trauma or the family members with whom they share their lives. . . . Told in a compassionate and humanistic manner that makes the pain of this condition come alive for the reader.
Sandeep Jauhar
In The Unspeakable Mind, noted psychiatrist and scholar Shaili Jain, presents an absorbing and comprehensive account of one of the scourges of our modern age. Anyone suffering from PTSD - or their loved ones - should read this book to learn, understand, and heal.
Matthew J. Friedman MD
Shaili Jain’s The Unspeakable Mind is a riveting conversation about trauma and PTSD. It is a very personal narrative built around Dr. Jain’s clinical experiences as well as the story of her family’s trauma during the partition of India in 1947. She has skillfully embedded a comprehensive review of the relevant science and practice in the field that will thoroughly captivate and enlighten readers.”
Booklist
Jain asserts that the importance of accessible treatment and early intervention for PTSD cannot be overstated, while also emphasizing the genuine healing value of empathy and simply listening.
Irvin Yalom
An atlas of the elusive yet very common condition of PTSD, The Unspeakable Mind makes for an engrossing read in which Jain serves as our trusted guide, deconstructing the entity known as PTSD symptom by symptom. She deftly weaves riveting depictions of patient encounters with her rich and informed observations to reveal how PTSD goes far beyond issues of mind and brain—it is interwoven into our physical well-being, quality of life, and exerts an insidious influence over our culture and society. Dr Jain’s beautiful prose illuminates this widely misunderstood condition and makes for fascinating reading. It is a must for anyone who has a survived trauma, their loved ones and the healthcare professionals who care for them.
Edward Hallowell
Shaili Jain has written a wonderfully creative mixture of handbook on trauma, research report, personal memoir, and cultural commentary. The result is a thoroughly engaging book about the hardest parts of life presented gently, beautifully, insightfully, and with wisdom.
Booklist
Jain asserts that the importance of accessible treatment and early intervention for PTSD cannot be overstated, while also emphasizing the genuine healing value of empathy and simply listening.