Friday, February 24, 2012


LESLIE RADDATZ INTERVIEW 


FLASHBACKS IN

POST TRAUMATIC

STRESS DISORDER

FRIDAY - DAY FIVE
FINAL INTERVIEW



LESLIE & HER DAD
ON HER
WEDDING DAY


Barb:  Hello Leslie, Welcome Friends.....

Well Leslie, here we are again.  We have covered a lot of PTSD territory in the past few days.  You've done a marvelous job of tuning us into some facts and therapies possibly some of us, including me, had never heard of before.  And now, we're at the end and I hope others reading what you've had to say will help you get the word out about your book, Flashbacks in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Surviving Through The Flood.  And as importantly, to further the word to be of significant aid to victims as you and your dad.


Leslie:  I'm so glad to be here again today, Barb, thank you for mentioning the title of my book. It is my constant prayer that people everywhere will hear about the importance of furthering the studies and research to help victims of damaged mental health due to PSTD.  We need to lift the awareness and compassion of our friends, neighbors and the person on the street, that this could happen to them or anyone living under extreme stress and trauma.

Barb:  Leslie, when we came to the end of our interview yesterday, we were discussing veterans with PTSD.  I asked you if you had included any stories of veterans as well as other victims of this disorder in your book and you replied that your father also has PSTD. 


Leslie:  Yes I wrote about my father for one chapter in my book.. My book is mostly about me because it is a memoir about me but in family background I explain about my dad’s PTSD so readers would have a sense to understand that the parental neglect wasn’t his fault because he was dealing with so much trauma himself.  Also my mother was an alcoholic.


LESLIE'S DAD BEFORE VIETNAM
LESLIE'S DAD DURING VIETNAM
Leslie:  My father suffered with PTSD from the Vietnam War.  I wrote about him in one of the chapters in my book and I also wrote an article of my experience while a child of age 3 or 4 witnessing his PTSD symptoms which included pulling knives on my mother and us.  My mother would hide us in closets when he started to scream and try to find the enemy in the house.Go to http://homecomingvets.wordpress.com and click the link The Effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder on our Soldiers and Their Families by Leslie Raddatz that was published by Bonnie Toews CEO at Whistler House, Whistler, Canada, and Author of The Consummate Traitor and Covert Denial and The Odonata Ring.


LESLIE
I was three or four years old. “I remember one day I am about to walk into the kitchen my mom stops me with a panic look on her face as she keeps one eye on my dad as she tells me softly to stay still and not to move.  I feel scared and frozen in place as I see the knife pointed at my mom. She turns her full attention to my dad who is holding a knife with a strange look on his face.  Talking but I can’t understand what he is saying.  I witness my mom slowly and calmly walking up to him while repeating, “It is okay. I am your wife.”  “You are no longer in the war it is okay to let go of the knife.” “You are home with me and the kids.”  She takes the knife out of his hands as he returns to the present and is confused as my
mom hugs and kisses him saying, “It is okay honey.  I love you.” As they both cry while               I am still standing there not understanding what happened.”

Barb:  .......Unbelievable...I'm stunned and speechless.  I..just don't know what to say, except I'm so sorry for you, for him and your entire family.  My husband was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam twice.  He rarely speaks of his experiences there, he did have some very dangerous close calls.  He doesn't like anyone walking up behind him and will startle still today if we walk up behind him and especially if we touch him on the shoulder or back.  I've learned the hard way not to hug him from behind....LOL...  

Leslie:  Yes....who can realize the true and horrible trauma that war can cause....to the ones at war on both sides, and especially with the innocent children and people who reside in war torn area.

Barb:  My prayers go to everyone concerned...I've also seen it from the distaff side of being a military wive at home with the children when the husband is away at war.  Leslie, Your book is certainly important in many and various ways.  We don’t want to give too much away about what is inside the covers, but you have convinced me how vital reading your book will be once it is published.  Can you tell us a bit more about the book without giving away any spoilers?

Leslie: My book Flashbacks in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Surviving Through the Flood. Will help victims and loved ones understand what is happening to their self, mother, dad, brother, sisters, friend etc.  For the Survivors, my book will reinforce the fact that they are not alone.  It will give them a resource to reach out to other survivors when they need support.  Even though we have survived the healing process there are still times we need support when something else surfaces or resurfaces.  They can do that by emailing me at lraddatz1@gmail.com or going to Justice For All Revolution’s website www.justiceforallrevolution.com  and chat with one of the Facilitators.

Our disorders never go away.  We just learn coping skills on how we can lessen our reaction to the triggers, memories, body memories as they occur, etc.  There are times that we don't have any triggers, memories, etc for a long time which is a good sign that our PTSD is in control.  Each day we have to make a choice not to repeat our destructive pattern and if we slip one day we try again the next day not to repeat them.

Barb:  One day at a time, Sweet Jesus.  You're not talking about a made up fictional story, Leslie...this is real life.  Sounds like you've written an exceptional and informative book.  Hearing your father’s and your stories really piques my interest and I can’t wait to read it.  How soon will it be published?

Leslie My book is completely edited by Janell Moon, http://janellmoon.com/, award winning author of nonfiction books.  She has eleven books of her own published.  My next step is to develop a book/marketing proposal to find the right agent that will represent and introduce my book to publishers. I will keep you updated on the status on my book, when the release date will be and where you can buy it. 

Barb:  Leslie, please give us any information that our readers can go to find out more about you and your book.  I know you have shared much information with us, but  this is such an intriguing subject and my empathy goes out to all that suffer from this condition; including one of my own daughters who suffers from PTSD.  You have made a place where others can go and receive the truth in information and help on how to support someone close to you.  It is a devastating disease and I pray that one day it will be erased.  That gives us more reason to pray and strive for world peace and personal.  Thank you for being with us this week, Leslie. You have given us food for thought for sure. I know also that you have been guided by the hand of God through all of this life shattering process.  I am thankful.  Please keep us informed as to the status of your father, yourself and the book as it proceeds toward publication.

Leslie:  It was my pleasure to be here and thank you for having me and spending the time to learn about my disorders to help educate others.  For more information about my story, warning signs, treatments and resources available, please go to my website www.silencednolonger.com
I also have a blog that I share my experiences and coping skills.  I hope to have reached those needing help, Barb, through your helping hand also.  I welcome any questions on my blog, my webpage and at my email address.  I'm sure if you would ask Barb to send me your questions that she would be willing to do that.  I would love to hear from you and pray for your needs.


Barb:  Well, Leslie...I think we both deserve to take one great big satisfied sigh.  This has been challenging for both of us, and I'm very grateful to you for requesting me to help you with the publication of the word about your purpose.  With God's help and many prayers....there will one day be more effective help for all PSTD mental health sufferers.  Let's put a "so be it" and amen to that.  Wonderful to have you here.  You are blessed.


Well, friends, I think that about said it.  I hope all of you who dropped by have been blessed by Leslie and her story.  I definitely have.  Please be watching for news of this wonderful book's publishing date...I'll be sure to let you know.  Take care and have a weekend full of love, fun and joy.


Grace & Peace,
Barb


 www.silencednolonger.blogspot.com


Leslie's Blog:  www.silencednolonger.blogspot.com


Leslie's email:  lraddatz1@gmail.com

facebook:http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002842726485#!/profile.php?id=100002842726485

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ log in and search me at @lraddatz1

LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/?first=Leslie&last=Raddatz&search=Go


http://homecomingvets.wordpress.com/the-affects-of-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-on-our-soldiers-and-their-families/

(http://www.latalkradio.com/Max.php) (Leslie's radio interview)

The Effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder on our Soldiers and Their Families by Leslie Raddatz that was published by Bonnie Toews CEO at Whistler House, Whistler, Canada, and Author of The Consummate Traitor and Covert Denial and The Odonata Ring.


*Responses from States/Countries:  
POSTED TO LESLIE'S WEBSITE:  www.silencednolonger.com     
USA- Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Florida, Oregon, Massachusetts, Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, Connecticut, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Maryland, Texas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Virginia, Tennessee, New York, Ohio, Arkansas, Washington, Maine, Arizona, New Jersey, Utah, Montana, Nevada, Minnesota, Alabama, North Dakota and Iowa, Mexico. Canada, Brazil, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Europe -Iceland, Russia, UK, Australia- Australia, Asia-Iran, India, Philippines, Hong Kong, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Africa- Kenya, Nigeria


POSTED TO LESLIE'S BLOG:  www.silencednolonger.blogspot.com 
United States, Russia, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Austria, Malaysia, France, Italy, Ukraine, Brazil, Romania, Ireland, Japan, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Pakistan, Jamaica, Netherlands, China, Spain, Uganda, Mexico, Czech Republic, United Arab Emirates, India, Kenya, and Latvia, Oman, Nigeria, Thailand, Georgia, Australia, Poland, Indonesia, Columbia, Switzerland, Portugal, Sweden, Philippines, South Africa, Saudi Arabia,Venezuela and South Korea.



These are the languages of people visiting my website for information:

English (United States)
362
91.2%
2
English (United Kingdom)
8
2.0%
3
English (Canada)
8
2.0%
4
Russian (Russian Federation)
7
1.8%
5
German
4
1.0%
6
English
4
1.0%
7
German (Germany)
1
0.3%
8
Turkish (Turkey)
1
0.3%
9
English (Australia)
1
0.3%
10
Portuguese (Brazil)



http://janellmoon.com/



www.justiceforallrevolution.com 



Paula R. Shild PhD of a Boulder, Colorado Therapy Group

www.emdr.com, EMDR Institute, Inc.  The EMDR Institute™, 
founded by Dr Francine Shapiro in 1990.




A passage from the book: Flashbacks in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Surviving Through The Flood by Leslie Raddatz:
COMMENTS:


    1. Diana FlowersFeb 23, 2012 10:58 AM
    2. I thought I would post a comment later after the series was complete, but I best do it now while I have a few minutes. Thank you Barb, and Leslie for this great, informative interview. I suffered severe childhood abuse as a child and so much of this is hard for me to read; especially that other women had to suffer as I did. I thought for so many years that I was the only one. I never even told my husband until we had been married for 15 years. It wasn't something that was talked about at all back then.

      I did go to therapy a little, but it didn't help (although I'm glad, Leslie, that you were able to find someone who knew how to help you), but I am happy to say that I found deliverance in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It's not an overnight process, but day be day He is working to deliver me. Thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in Christ! 2 Corinthians 2:14
      ReplyDelete
    3. Dear Diana,

      Your letter brought tears to my eyes and sorrow in my heart for your childhood. I commend you for revealing your deepest secrets. Most of all, how happy I am for you that Jesus came into your life and is working day by day to heal and deliver you from the torment.

      This series must bring back bad memories, and I thank you for reading them. They are meant to encourage healing for victims of this surly angry disease that has affected many, some not even realizing it. Just to get the words out that there that Jesus is at every door knocking to come in and hold you in his arms, to take away the pain and stay with you for life and life hereafter.

      Thank you for commenting and the encouragement you offered. Do you mind if I publish your comment on my blog? Your words have really touched my heart and I’m sure they would touch others. You are my sweet sister in Christ and I so enjoy our friendship.

      Grace & Peace,
      Barb
      ReplyDelete
    4. Thank you for your sweet response and compassion! I surely treasure our friendship as well, and covet your prayers.
      ReplyDelete
    5. PSTD, a term that I next to nothing about, but this blog post gives some good and helpful information about this subject. Thanks for giving us this insight. I hope everybody has a good and blessed weekend.
      ReplyDelete
    6. Thank you, Cecelia - such a nice boost to know you think this subject is important and helpful. Your input is appreciated and welcome.
      Blessings,
      Barb

    I thought I would post a comment later after the series was complete, but I best do it now while I have a few minutes. Thank you Barb, and Leslie for this great, informative interview. I suffered severe childhood abuse as a child and so much of this is hard for me to read; especially that other women had to suffer as I did. I thought for so many years that I was the only one. I never even told my husband until we had been married for 15 years. It wasn't something that was talked about at all back then.

    I did go to therapy a little, but it didn't help (although I'm glad, Leslie, that you were able to find someone who knew how to help you), but I am happy to say that I found deliverance in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It's not an overnight process, but day be day He is working to deliver me. Thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in Christ! 2 Corinthians 2:14
    ReplyDelete
  3. Dear Diana,

    Your letter brought tears to my eyes and sorrow in my heart for your childhood. I commend you for revealing your deepest secrets. Most of all, how happy I am for you that Jesus came into your life and is working day by day to heal and deliver you from the torment.

    This series must bring back bad memories, and I thank you for reading them. They are meant to encourage healing for victims of this surly angry disease that has affected many, some not even realizing it. Just to get the words out that there that Jesus is at every door knocking to come in and hold you in his arms, to take away the pain and stay with you for life and life hereafter.

    Thank you for commenting and the encouragement you offered. Do you mind if I publish your comment on my blog? Your words have really touched my heart and I’m sure they would touch others. You are my sweet sister in Christ and I so enjoy our friendship.

    Grace & Peace,
    Barb
    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you for your sweet response and compassion! I surely treasure our friendship as well, and covet your prayers.
    ReplyDelete
  5. PSTD, a term that I next to nothing about, but this blog post gives some good and helpful information about this subject. Thanks for giving us this insight. I hope everybody has a good and blessed weekend.
    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you, Cecelia - such a nice boost to know you think this subject is important and helpful. Your input is appreciated and welcome.
    Blessings,
    Barb

Leslie: It's really important to talk about PSTD. So many have it and don't know it. You speak very clearly about it. Thanks, Barbara for bringing her to us. Janell Moon on
Anonymous
on 2/22/12
I would like to thank all of you for your find words, love and concern for me. I feel so supported and feel my book is really close to getting published I just can feel God's work in all of this! Leslie Raddatz on
Anonymous
on 2/20/12
JoAnn, you are so sweet to comment. I know your caring so much about Leslie's situation will be appreciated so much by her. Yes, she is being used by God is a mighty way, and he is taking her from glory to glory. Thank you for commenting and raising other's spirits. You do a lovely job of that. Hugs, Barb on
on 2/20/12
Barb, thanks so much for alerting me to your blog today. Leslie, it's difficult to know what to say. As one of my characters says to another in my upcoming book, "No one should have to suffer like that from the people who are supposed to love them most." I want to wrap you in my arms and give you a huge hug of Christian love. Truly, the Lord is using you in a mighty way for His glory in sharing your story and giving others hope. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for all you do. Blessings always. on
on 2/20/12
It is a pleasure to have Leslie tell here story here. I hope many will read about her and seek her for help if needed. She shows others so afflicted that it can be done. She is a strong woman...a lovely person. Thank you for your wonderful comment and confidence in Leslie. Blessings, Barb on
in response to Barb, I appreciate your interviewing Leslie on this difficult subject. I am happy to read how Leslie has not only survived but ia helping others as well. I look forward to tomorrow's portion of the interview., by Unknown.
on 2/20/12
Leslie is indeed a wonderful example to others. Thank you for your encouragement and I hope you'll "tune in again tomorrow." Barb on
in response to I can identify with Leslie's situation and am happy to read about the strength she has found to not only survive, but also to help others. Thanks Barb for this interview and I look forward to more!, byjeanne.
on 2/20/12
Barb, I appreciate your interviewing Leslie on this difficult subject. I am happy to read how Leslie has not only survived but ia helping others as well. I look forward to tomorrow's portion of the interview. on 1 replies.
on 2/20/12
I can identify with Leslie's situation and am happy to read about the strength she has found to not only survive, but also to help others. Thanks Barb for this interview and I look forward to more! on 1 replies.
on 2/20/12
Hello Linda, it is so nice to see you. Glad you dropped by and happy that you received value from reading the first interview. Please return tomorrow when the second part is published. Blessings, Barb on
Remove content | Delete | Spam
on 2/20/12
This was a wonderful interview, Barb and Leslie. I know your book is going to help many people who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I've heard of this but never really understood it until this interview. My heart goes out to you, Leslie, and all that you have had to endure. May God bless you in finding those who need your help. on
on 2/20/12
Thank you for your reply. I'm excited about this interview with Leslie. Blessings, Barb 









Posted by at

8 comments:

  1. Julie LessmanFebruary 24, 2012 at 1:59 PM

    BARB, like Diana, I wanted to wait till the end of this remarkable series to comment. WOW, what a post -- shocking, eye-opening and even overwhelming at times and yet I am grateful to God that He is a God of Hope and Healing and begins the process with amazing people like Leslie. I can think of SO many people who would benefit from Leslie's ministry, and I pray God uses her mightily for His Glory AND for much-needed healing for His Body. God bless! And, Barb, THANK YOU for an incredible series!

    Hugs,
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  2. JoAnn DurginFebruary 24, 2012 at 2:20 PM

    Thank you for this emotional, informative and inspiring week of interviews, ladies. I've learned so much about both Leslie and you, too, Barb. I've had tears in my eyes and been moved more than you can know by what I've read here this week. Such a heartbreaking yet incredible story of triumph over adversity, and hope in the midst of sometimes horrific storms. May the Lord bless you, Leslie, and I'll pray with you for Him to open the "right" doors of His choosing in order to prepare your proposal, find and agent and get your story out to the masses. It's well-deserving of being told, and can help so many. Abundant blessings to you, Leslie, and Barb. And a very heartfelt thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownFebruary 24, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    Julie, I'm having a problem finding the words to respond to your gracious and humbling comments. I know, that is quite unusual for me to be wordless. I shower you with all the most beautiful words in respect to you. You are a wonderful friend and mentor and you have said exactly what I feel God is directing Leslie to do with her life to honor him. Leslie is young and eager to serve God and bring this intricate subject to the fore. I praise her efforts and God for bringing her situation to the limelight. I'm honored Leslie chose me as a friend and I'm so pleased and ready to support her cause. Thank you, sweet friend Julie, for taking the time to give us both the encouragement we so both need. We are blessed.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownFebruary 24, 2012 at 3:03 PM

    My Dear JoAnn, You always have just the right words to lift a soul. I'm positive that what you have said to Leslie...and to me are happily heard and stored in our hearts. Thank you for praying for Leslie's future struggles and trials in publishing her important story. Our prayers join yours that the Lord will send the right people to Leslie and they will be helped to have the life she is now living....healed and serving God. Isn't it all counted as wonderful!! This past week working with Leslie has changed us both. Loving God more and enjoying his guidance is even more present in our lives. Your words to Leslie will interest her as to the kind of woman you are in God. I look to you as a tremendous mentor and it would hurt no one to follow your intentions. Thank you for your thoughtful response. I'm grateful and blessed.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2012 at 4:06 PM

    Wow, all of you have given such beautiful comments love and understanding. I have been searching for this my entire life. Someone to accept me for who I am and to love me regardless of my diagnoses, without judgement.

    I also had tears of joy in my eyes and felt a heavy heart because I too believe that God has led me to do my ministry.

    Eight years ago, God guided me to work for a congregation of religious sisters and I found God as I and my entire family was baptized together.

    The sisters have helped to support me through every cross God gave me to bear. They help lighten the load by their dedication to prayer as I handle impossible trials.

    God bless all of you for the loving support, concern, and prayer support in helping the right people to reachout to me and to publish my bookl.

    Barbara I have been blessed with your friendship and generous love for all god's people. You didn't know me or my story but took the time to friend me on facebook, care about my story. You listened and responded to my need to get the awareness of PTSD out there.

    I will forever remember what you did for me and the people who suffer from mental illnesses. Again thank you to all who have commented and who are all praying for me.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2012 at 4:39 PM

    Wow, all of you have given such beautiful comments love and understanding. I have been searching for this my entire life. Someone to accept me for who I am and to love me regardless of my diagnoses, without judgement.

    I also had tears of joy in my eyes and felt a heavy heart because I too believe that God has led me to do my ministry.

    Eight years ago, God guided me to work for a congregation of religious sisters and I found God as I and my entire family was baptized together.

    The sisters have helped to support me through every cross God gave me to bear. They help lighten the load by their dedication to prayer as I handle impossible trials.

    God bless all of you for the loving support, concern, and prayer support in helping the right people to reachout to me and to publish my book.

    Barbara I have been blessed with your friendship and generous love for all god's people. You didn't know me or my story but took the time to friend me on facebook, care about my story. You listened and responded to my need to get the awareness of PTSD out there.

    I will forever remember what you did for me and the people who suffer from mental illnesses. Again thank you to all who have commented and who are all praying for me.

    Leslie Raddatz

    ReplyDelete
  7. Linda Weaver ClarkeFebruary 24, 2012 at 11:51 PM

    My heart goes out to you and to your father. My brother in law was sent to Vietnam, also, and he would have terrible dreams and wake up screaming. It was really tough on my sister but she was finally able to help him through it. This sort of thing is so sad. Thanks for sharing this interview with me, Barb.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2012 at 4:41 PM

    Linda

    Thank you for sharing about your brother in law. It is tough and that was why I wrote the article about my dad because for so long the army denied that PTSD existed. My dad is terminally ill with kidney cancer that tumors have spread all over his body and he has had many surgeries. He had 2 months to live according to the Vetrans hospital but has lived for I think July will be seven years. His other kidney is starting to fail and it is difficult for him to know when enough is enough. God Bless and I will keep my mission alive making people aware of PTSD. Leslie Raddatz

    ReplyDelete

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