Dr. Steve West was diagnosed with PTSD while serving as a chaplain for The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Despite the challenges and stigma, he faced in his position, Dr. West’s bravery and transparency about his own PTSD journey has given hope to others who may feel alone or misunderstood.
Dr. Steve West’s book provides a harrowing glimpse into the depths of post-traumatic stress disorder. It peels back the layers and exposes the gut-wrenching truth of what it truly means to live with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It’s not just another book on the subject, but a lifeline for those struggling to make sense of their own experiences. As the anxiety builds up and consumes every fiber of your being, this book paints a vivid picture of what that feels like, both physically and mentally. It delves deep into the inner workings of the mind, unraveling the complex web of emotions and thoughts that hide the real person beneath.
Above all, this book is a reminder that those with PTSD are not alone in their struggles. Even when they feel like they’re losing their grip on reality, this book offers validation and understanding. No longer do they have to suffer in silence or question their sanity. Through its pages, they can find solace in the shared experiences of others and begin to heal from the invisible wounds that haunt them.
Veteran Retreats Foundation incorporates ‘The Bronze Scar: Understanding How PTSD Feels’ into our retreats. Each retreat participant is gifted a copy upon arrival. Participants have the opportunity over three days to dialogue with ‘Chappy’, the author himself and have their books autographed. Feedback from retreat participants expressed how their lives have been profoundly transformed as a direct result of reading this book. These case studies illustrate this book serves as a valuable guide for healing. Your generous donation will serve as a lifeline to individuals struggling with traumatic experiences.
This book is being gifted to anyone affected by trauma-induced disorders. Our goal is to reach as many people as possible and help alleviate the emotional toll that trauma takes on individuals and their loved ones. Together, we can make a difference and provide hope. We distribute this resource to various locations, including VA hospitals, non-profit organizations, and first responder facilities such as police, fire, and rescue departments. We also support PTSD support groups, homeless shelters, addiction centers, women’s safe houses, churches, and healthcare facilities. You can choose to donate wherever you feel the need is greatest or specifically to one of the areas listed above.
Dr. Steve West
Author, The Bronze Scar, Understanding How PTSD Feels to Help Victims and Those Who Support Them
www.bronzescar.com
334-467-1632
[email protected]
THE BRONZE SCAR, HOW PTSD FEELS
Am I crazy? That’s one of the main questions that I asked myself from time to time. Not controlling my actions, memories, anxiety, and other aspects of PTSD causes me to ponder the question at times. But I know the answer is no. I just can’t reconcile who I am now and what I’ve become compared to who I was and how I acted before all of this.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- You wrote, “the intimacy of my relationship with god is gone.” what did you mean?
- Why did you choose to talk about the feelings of PTSD?
- What was your goal in writing the book?
- What has been the response of people to your message?
- You talk about losing your joy. What does that actually mean?
- How can this book help the family and friends of those who have PTSD?
- How did you come up with the title?
- Talk about the phrase “I’m fine”
- You talk about living on the edge and living with an edge. What’s the difference?
- What is your favorite chapter?
OVERVIEW
Everybody wants answers. The person with PTSD wants answers. The people who love them want answers. All of us know someone suffering from some level of post-traumatic stress in this crazy world of accelerated traumas and COVID. More and more people have to deal with post-traumatic stress in their own lives. This book is for everyone! First responders, hospital personnel, paramedics, firefighters, police officers, military members, and veterans; People who are continually facing their own trauma or the trauma of others.
BOOK ENDORSEMENTS
“Steve lays bare for all to see, the realities of what our brave service members, including my dad, endure during wartime. It takes a lot of courage to admit the negative psychological impacts of war, especially for a chaplain whose very mission is to help others. Bronze Scar is about courage, discovery, family, and faith. It is a vivid depiction of what thousands of war survivors deal with every day. A must-read for those in and out of the military.”
— General (Ret) Larry O. Spencer, 37th Vice Chief of the Air Force
“Steve‘s willingness to write The Bronze Scar is a glorious example of God causing all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). I think millions who deal with PTSD will benefit from Steve’s book; therefore, I am using it as a textbook to educate and train chaplains.”
—Director of the Dewey Center for Chaplaincy. Professor, Charleston Southern University
“In our family there were the knowing looks, holding your breath, avoiding certain topics of conversation, and the desire to help complicated by the fear of what your concerns might provoke. Our Marine arrived home from Afghanistan with 2 Purple Hearts and a deep soul wound. He grimaced with physical pain, but the torment of the PTSD was equally as bad. I had no idea what he was feeling. There is so much in this book I wish I had known a decade ago. I would have been better able to understand what my Marine was feeling. If you have longed for someone to open a window into the complex world of feelings associated with PTSD, The Bronze Scar is for you.”
—Carmen LaBerge, radio host for Faith Radio, Author
“I have no doubt that PTSD is one of the reasons we aren’t making more headway in the war against homelessness. Unless we all become fully cognizant of this condition and know how to recognize it in those around us, the anxiety, anger, and shame that Steve West describes will continue to drive far too many of our friends onto the streets and into addictions that will only make things worse. Therefore, I’m strongly recommending that The Bronze Scar be on the required reading list for all of the leaders of North America’s rescue missions and kindred ministries.”
—John Ashmen, President, Citygate Network
“The Bronze Scar reveals the often-invisible cost paid by so many people who suffer PTSD. Steve West knows the impact of paying this price firsthand, but more importantly, he understands how personal faith in God facilitates healing. This book is an incredible resource for people wrestling with PTSD as well as those who love and support them. Highly recommended!”
—Chris Hodges, Senior Pastor, Church of the Highlands
