BOOKS
Everything I Learned about Prostate Cancer Began at Sixty-Five
The primary focus of this book is on patients dealing with having prostate cancer but it can also be applied to any illness, infirmity, disability or challenge one faces. Throughout my own journey with prostate cancer, I discovered that finding the best hospitals and doctors is critical. Asking and getting answers to all your questions and fully understanding your situation, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan is essential. Then incorporating all of your feelings, fears, values and beliefs will point you in the right direction. Being an active, full participant in your action plan, will likely produce the best outcome for you. Always asking questions about the effects of each type of treatment/procedure will prepare you well.
Don’t be shy about including your feelings, thoughts and fears about their effects on your quality of life, relationships, sexual functioning, financial situation, insurance or lack thereof, effects on bodily functions, etc. The book covers each of these aspects of life in depth. It explores all of these areas from both a patient’s and a therapist’s perspective. It’s written to give you a real, down to earth picture of my journey. It’s important to both trust your doctors but your own instincts as well. Ask for and accept help and support from as many loved ones as possible. Consider searching for professional help either or both, individually or in a group. Staying active, positive and continuing to enjoy life fully will definitely help you through your journey. I hope my own personal journey will help you or any loved one currently going through life’s challenges.
Body – Cancer Survivor
Mind – Feeling – Client
Everything I Learned about Mental Health Began at Twenty-Two
Mental health is an epidemic in our modern society. In this book, I explore this issue and its many complex facets by discussing my many years of experience as a social worker and psychotherapist, along with my personal journey dealing with my own mental health issues with the help of three different therapists over a span of fifty years. I use real-life narratives to illuminate personal struggles of various individuals dealing with life’s challenges and accomplishments. I interweave stories and lessons learned from some of my clients, close friends and family. I also delve into my own mental health issues, including anger management, my need for attention and recognition, as well as my learning to appreciate and savor the good things in life.
In this book, there are suggestions on finding the right therapist and about the therapeutic process. I explore the importance of deep analysis and exploration of feelings and thoughts, along with the steps to take to address one’s problems. Change is difficult and it does take time, commitment and effort. I discuss how one can grow and develop, but also how emotional triggers can set one back.
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I outline the multitude of social issues in our society and their contributions to our mental health ailments, such as bullying, mass killings, terrorism, racial inequities, women’s rights, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, the 1/6/2021 insurrection, climate change, Covid, suicide, and the political currents that led us to a national mental health crisis. I stress the importance of learning from others, especially those who have and continue to face enormous challenges, the value of giving back to the less fortunate, and how to live life fully with humor and much more!
