REVIEWED BY MAHADEV DESAI
Stress Rescue by Panchajanya Paul, MD& Bob Kamath, MD
Paperback: 228 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (September 7, 2018)
The Stress Rescue book, co-authored by Dr. Paul and Dr. Kamath, is an engaging and concise book, written in a simple, lucid, and easy to implement style with interesting quotes, and case studies based on real encounters that Dr. Kamath had with patients in over 30 years of clinical practice. The book also provides many useful resources and links to Mindfulness Meditation Courses and books on stress and general health. In the book, which deals mainly with psychological stress, the authors draw upon their academic accomplishments, vast experience in psychiatry, in-depth research and writing skills.
Stress levels are at an all-time high with the current global trends. In the introduction, the authors state that ‘Stress is an inevitable part of being alive. There is no way to obliterate all stress from life. The best we can do is to learn how to manage stress. The book is divided into three parts. The first part provides a detailed outlook on the origin of stress and its various types. The second part teaches the readers the tools of stress reduction. And the third part explains healthy living activities to promote mental and physical wellbeing.
The authors use the model of a balloon to the conscious mind. When there are too many stressful emotions, they will inflate the conscious mind as air inflates a balloon. When these painful emotions disappear, it is like releasing air from the balloon, and the mind resumes its normal state. Stressors are of two types: Bad events and bad problems. One must learn how to cope with these stressors healthily by managing time, money and people. The authors recommend that instead of bottling up one’s painful emotions it is better to express them by talking with loved ones or by journaling and diary keeping or channelizing into positive action by initiating or joining a crusade and volunteering for a worthy outreach project. One should also consider seeking the professional help of a psychiatrist.
This informative and enlightening guide has garnered glowing reviews. “Psychiatry has long been awaiting a practical manual to assist those unduly affected by stress. Dr. Paul’s incorporation of exercise, nutrition, and good sleep hygiene techniques is essential to the well-being of all adequately functioning persons,” writesAtlanta’s top psychiatrist Todd Antin.
“A handy guide to stress management for the layperson wanting tools to understand and cope with stress naturally as well as for psychotherapists to recommend to their clients,” comments Berry Hensel, Ph.D ., Vice President, Clinical Services, Circles of Care, Florida.
According to Dr. Adolf Casal, the medical director of Children’s Health Care of Atlanta- Stress Rescue is the best book for learning natural coping skills.
Panchajanya Paul is a double Board certified-Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine (ABIHM). He holds faculty positions at Emory University School of Medicine;UniversityofGeorgia&GeorgiaRegentsUniversity; and University of Central Florida School of Medicine. Dr. Paul has contributed many insightful articles on health-related topics. He lives and practices inAtlanta,Georgia. Prabhakar’Bob’ Kamath, MD, Author of multiple books, trained atYaleUniversity, and has 30 years’ experience of treating thousands of patients. He retired in 2010 and lives inCape Girardeau,Missouri.
Stress Rescue is a must-read for anyone seeking a pragmatic way to overcome stress in one’s life. Many do not bother to understand the cause of stress and resort to drugs, alcohol, overeating, promiscuous sex, gambling, and other unhealthy habits to relieve stress. They end up creating even more significant problems like becoming an addict, broke, imprisoned and ruin their lives. But If one understands what causes stress, and takes steps to cope with stress and build stress resilience through a combination of proper balanced diet, exercise, sports, sleep, yoga, meditation, music, socializing, reading, traveling, hobbies, keeping a pet etc., then he or she will experience an inner transformation, feel, empowered, and will be able to live life to the fullest.
The book is a useful addition to other Stress -related books. It will be a valuable tool for social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and all mental health professionals. The book is currently available on Amazon in paperback for $ 9.99 , and on Kindle for $ 2.99 .
Although various other books are available on stress, this book is unique in that it is written for ordinary people who can apply the coping skills themselves without the need of any medical knowledge or medical professional. Stress Rescue is a self-help book for preventive health. In this era, when everyone is looking for quick fixes in the form of more and more prescription pills, this book brings a fresh perspective on the importance and utility of natural stress management strategies. This book will help not only those who have stress but also to others who wish to protect themselves from any future stress. The authors also caution that in case of a severe debilitating stress disorder, the best course is always first to seek professional help. Even in those cases, the book will guide readers to ask the right questions and find the right kind of support for themselves.
