Shell Shock to Palali Syndrome- PTSD Sri Lankan Experience
Author- Dr Ruwan M Jayatunge
Published by Godage International Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd
Shell Shock to Palali Syndrome is an impressive endeavour to put together all experiences from different dramatic and tragic situations in war impacted society. This book is for me the monumental example of sufferings all kinds of disasters were tormenting people, leaving heavy consequences on actual and future generations. This takes the description and elaboration of all sufferings onto highest priority of mental health policy of Sri Lanka.
Comparing similar experiences from other countries, former Yugoslavia included, it can be seen that all sufferings are on common denominator of human condition. In that way we can be compassionate with other human beings regardless of their cultural characteristics. This is of outmost importance when we are planning and organising help for these psychologically traumatised people, and our experiences on a professional level become comparable.
Shell Shock to Palali Syndrome is a very powerful book on human suffering, either caused by man-made or natural disasters, that were overwhelming Sri Lanka during last several decades. The long shadows of traumatic experiences should be recognised and treated, because time proved not to be a general healer, it fails to heal all wounds. Dr Ruwan Jayatunge and his colleagues and teams are drawing upon their experience, knowledge and newly gained wisdom in helping traumatised people to mourn losses and to open up the processes of transformation from hatred and violence to empathy.
Prof. Ivan Urlić, M.D., Ph.D., Neuropsychiatrist, group analyst,
Medical School, University of Split, Croatia
The additional comments were made by the scholars around the globe about Shell Shock to Palali Syndrome
The author with his clinical experience in medicine and psychology has documented his thoughts about the subject in a simple and reader friendly manner.
Dr. Neil Fernando MBBS MD -Consultant Psychiatrist of the Sri Lanka Army
Drawing from the Author’s rich experiences in dealing with combatants with PTSD and other problems, as well as civilians caught in the war or after the tsunami, he gives us narrative accounts that bring the book to life.
Professor Daya Somasundaram -Clinical Associate Professor: University of Adelaide –Australia
Dr Ruwan M. Jayatunge has articulately analyzed the previous denial of PTSD in Sri Lanka
Prof. D.G. Harendra de Silva -Senior Professor of Paediatrics and Former (Founder) Chairman of the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) of Sri Lank
The author concludes insightfully that although war ended in 2009, the psychological repercussions of the war have not.
Dr. Uri Bergmann- Past-President – EMDR International Association
This book is an important contribution to the literature on stress related anxiety disorders as it is rooted in a cultural and historical landscape that has received virtually no attention within the academic literature.
Professor Richard N. Lalonde -York University Canada
KUDOS to Dr . Ruwan M Jayatunge for his astute clinical descriptions of the impact of combat. His cultural sensitivity of combatrelated trauma is a welcomed contribution.
Professor Donald Meichenbaum -Research Director of the Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention: Miami USA
In this fascinating book, Dr. Ruwan M. Jayatunge develops a caleidoscopic perspective which clearly shows that PTSD is not a western culture-bound syndrome
Professor Onno van der Hart - Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Dr. Ruwan M. Jayatunga persuasively describes the psychological wounds of war. His book is remarkable for its comprehensiveness and historical research. This is a significant contribution to the literature.
Professor Roger Brooke -Director, Military Psychological Services Duquesne University USA
Great!!
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