Reading Is Relaxing, Enjoyable, Helpful, Encouraging, Informative

Hi friends. This fifth Friday, I decided to revisit books about invisible disabilities that I have reviewed. I hope one of them may enrich your life. Not all books are specifically related to chronic illnesses, but we can learn—or just enjoy—each one.

I wrote a short introduction with a link to my full review.

Beneath the Surface by Kristi Hugstad

Written specifically for teens, these ideas are also beneficial for adults. Unfortunately, suicide is too common among the invisibly disabled community. If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide, get helpful info. Read this book. If the person is already serious, TELL SOMEONE who can help. Or call this help line: 1-800-273-8255.

Finding a New Normal, Suzan Jackson

This book is especially good for people with newly diagnosed unending conditions; it will demonstrate that you can survive and thrive, still having a purposeful life. And it is helpful for those who are having difficulty coping.

Panic Free: The 10-Day Program to End Panic, Anxiety, and Claustrophobia by Tom Bunn

“In a state of near panic, most people are simply incapable of rational thought. Under stress, imagination takes over, and a situation that is not life-threatening is experienced as life-threatening. That is the first factor that causes panic. The second is the conviction that this situation, truly believed to be life-threatening, cannot be escaped.” Thus begins Panic Free; it includes strategies to overcome panic attacks, strategies that work in the real-world.

Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

This book does not deal specifically with chronic illnesses. But, it has such impact I had to share it with you. However, some parts definitely do apply to our journeys. “A modern-day slave, an international art dealer, and the unlikely woman who bound them together.” Such reads the tag-line for this book.

Resilience: Powerful Practices for Bouncing Back from Disappointment, Difficulty, and Even Disaster by Linda Graham

Resilience. “Ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; elasticity; buoyancy.” From that definition, resilience is a much-needed strength for those navigating a life of chronic illness with its unending quality and repeated exacerbations.

The Humidity Makes My Hair Frizz and It’s Really Starting to Stink in Here by Shelley Jarl

The author wrote this guest post, writing of her experiences dealing with both physical and non-physical difficulties. A guest post written by Shelley rather than a review written by me.

Sunbreaks in Unending Storms by Carole and FJ Griffitts

An active woman, wife, and mother of two young boys, Carole worked part time as FJ attended graduate school. Two years later, undiagnosed pain and weakness dominated her life; she was still a wife and mother, FJ had graduated, she had everything to live for, but she would never again be able to lead an active life. “Sunbreaks” chronicles our 40 year journey; it includes input from other families too. Available soon from Amazon and other online retailers.

Have fun on your hunt for information, encouragement, or just plain enjoyment.

What books have you read recently?

Update

The Chronic Pain Call-in Show, by Joseph of Borg, returned live April 25 on Facebook. He posted this notice “I stream live Sunday Evenings at 5:00 PM Central Time. You can call in live at 725-333-4140 or email me at Josephofborg@gmail.com.” See our January guest post for more information about Joseph. The April 25th program can be found here.

Amazon links for these books about invisible disabilities

(I am not an Amazon affiliate and do not receive any compensation.)

Beneath the Surface, Kristi Hugstad – Finding a New Normal, Suzan Jackson – Panic Free, Tom Bunn – Same Kind of Different As Me, Ron Hall and Denver Moore – Resilience, Linda Graham – The Humidity Makes My Hair Frizz and It’s Really Starting to Stink in Here, Shelley Jarl – Sunbreaks in Unending Storms, Carole and FJ Griffitts, coming soon

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