# Chapter 1: Introduction -- How To Use This Book
This chapter aims to:
1) Enable readers to have reasonable expectations for this book
2) Discuss common challenges for persons who have trauma and dissociation
This is an educational book designed for people who have mental health problems
after a single or multiple traumatic or stressful experiences. Examples of
these experiences include, but are not limited to: disaster, serious accident,
war, disease or injury, medical procedure, peer bullying, family violence,
physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, emotional
neglect and other extreme events (e.g., homicide, suicide, death of a close
friend or relative), no matter whether they occur during childhood or
adulthood.
Scientific findings reveal that trauma and stress are associated with many
physical and mental health problems. In particular, it is common and
understandable for survivors to develop post-traumatic and dissociative
reactions, which could lead to serious distress and disability. Examples of
post-traumatic and dissociative reactions include: re-experiencing the painful
memories, emotional numbness, avoiding things related to the trauma, being
emotionally unstable, sleep problems, memory problems, difficulties in
relationships, somatic symptoms, identity dissociation, etc.
If the post-traumatic and dissociative reactions remain unrelieved, some
survivors may partially or fully meet the diagnostic criteria for certain
mental disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline
personality disorder (BPD) and/or a dissociative disorder. It is also not rare
for survivors to have other mental health problems, such as depression,
anxiety, eating disorders and psychotic symptoms.
Some people may feel okay after experiencing a traumatic or stressful event,
but trauma and stress could also lead to serious mental health problems in some
people. Perhaps you had some difficult experiences in the past, and you are
probably still facing a lot of challenges now. You should know that it is
already a very good start for you to seek help -- you are reading this book,
which means that your recovery journey has already started!!
It is important to note that recovery is always possible. Many mental health
problems after trauma and stress are understandable -- they usually have
survival and self-defense purposes. Although it takes time and effort, many
survivors can reduce their symptoms considerably and recover very well.
Successfully recovered cases have been reported in many clinical studies and
books.
So, what is the content of this book? This book is specifically written for
people who have experienced trauma or stress, and for people with any kind of
post-traumatic and dissociative reactions. This book discusses the impacts of
trauma and stress on our body and mind and the common post-traumatic and
dissociative reactions. This book also talks about the challenges and life
problems that survivors often encounter. Moreover, it introduces some practical
self-help methods. Hopefully, readers would find this book easy-to-read and
useful.
In addition, this book introduces some practical self-help skills; readers need
to practice and work on the exercises after each chapter and in daily life in
order to master the skills and maximize the effects of this book.
While this book is written based on the clinical wisdom and scientific findings
from the trauma and dissociation literature, this book will not, should not and
cannot replace any conventional treatment or service (including but not limited
to medical treatment, psychotherapy, counselling and other social services).
Conventional care service is usually important for many people with mental
health problems. This book is only an additional resource that readers may
benefit from. In case of emergency and crisis situations, you need to seek help
immediately in your community (e.g. call the police, go to your nearest
emergency service).
There are 12 chapters in total. Each chapter will have a different focus.
Please be patient, and go slowly -- read this book little by little, paragraph
by paragraph. You can always review the content you find relevant, and practice
the exercises you find helpful. There is no quick fix for recovery -- but
recovery is always achievable.
Oh, by the way, 'be a teammate with yourself' is the main theme of the entire
book. Do you know why?
Trauma and stress often make us have conflicts with ourselves (e.g., having
feelings that we don't want to have, crying, shaking or yelling out when we
don't want to do so, living with an angry child inside us). To recover from
trauma and stress, from this perspective, is to acknowledge, accept and
integrate our bio-psycho-social experiences and be a good teammate with our
body and mind. Remember, we should not and can never eliminate any parts of
ourselves, even if they do not seem like they belong to us.
You basically have a common goal with your body and mind. Although conflicts
may occur among different parts of you in the beginning, you all want to
survive and you all want to have pleasure and avoid pain in nature. Being a
good teammate with yourself is one important thing you need to do in your
recovery journey. We will discuss this further later in the book.
So, are you ready to start your journey?
Remember, go slow!
All the best!!!
## Assignment 1.1
What changes do you expect to occur as a result of your efforts in reading this
book? Please try to write down a few things that you think would possibly get
better in your life after completing the journey of these 12 chapters.
## Assignment 1.2
Everyone needs help sometimes in life, but seeking help could be a difficult
step. What makes you want to read this book and improve your life?
*Question 1:* Does the content in this chapter relate to your experience?
1 = Strongly disagree; 10 = Strongly agree
*Question 2:* Have you learned this content before?
1 = Strongly disagree; 10 = Strongly agree
