In the book, Battling the Storm Within, Sgt. Stephanie J. Shannon discusses her horrifying military life experiences and constant struggle to transition back to civilian life. This deeply personal memoir addresses the issues of divorce, domestic violence, mental illness, suicide, parenting, bankruptcy, family challenges, faith and spirituality. The main theme or purpose of this inspirational book is to empower others too boldly address their personal traumas and to overcome, to bring public awareness to the various issues military veterans face, and to provide resources and solutions to help veteran and others trauma sufferers in need. Sgt. Stephanie J. Shannon’s story is one of struggle, survival, and healing as an example of how to regain …show more content…
Shannon begun to struggle from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to MST. Amazingly she lived for twenty years before receiving medical diagnosis of PTSD and MST. Sgt. Shannon expresses that she experience rejection and ostracism by certain family members and friends. The negative reactions and statements by family members and friends only led to deeper anxiety and depression for Sgt. Shannon. Remarkably she was able to refocus going back to school to earn a Bachelor’s degree in the field of social work. She worked successfully in the field of social service for fifteen years before being place on medical leave in 2005 by her psychiatrist. Finally in 2010 Sgt. Shannon medical claim for PTSD was award but GWI claim was fully denied. Sgt. Shannon continued to endure obstacles and challenges of civilian life. She discusses the task of being a single parent raising her son and how her undiagnosed mental health condition affected her ability to provide a better quality of life for her son. Sustaining meaningful relationships with men was extremely difficult for Sgt. Shannon. She was betrayed and physically abused in both marriages ultimately having to file for bankruptcy. Through all the trials and tribulations faced by Sgt. Shannon she found victory and change in the word of god. She states that as her faith grew god begin to present her with resources needed for healing and strength to continue the