Author’s Note: PTSD & Trauma Resources

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people—not just military veterans, but survivors of accidents, assault, natural disasters, medical trauma, and countless other experiences. If you or someone you love is struggling with PTSD or trauma-related symptoms, please know: you are not alone, and help is available.

PTSD symptoms can include:

- Flashbacks or intrusive memories

- Nightmares and sleep disturbances

- Hypervigilance and being easily startled

- Avoidance of trauma reminders

- Difficulty concentrating

- Emotional numbness or intense emotions

- Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or sweating

These symptoms are your brain's way of trying to protect you. They are not a sign of weakness. They are treatable.

RESOURCES FOR HELP:

FOR VETERANS:

- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1 (24/7 support)

- Text: 838255

- VA Mental Health Services: www.mentalhealth.va.gov

- Make the Connection: www.maketheconnection.net

FOR EVERYONE:

- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (24/7)

- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (24/7, free, confidential)

- PTSD Foundation of America: www.ptsdusa.org

- National Center for PTSD: www.ptsd.va.gov

FOR SERVICE DOG INFORMATION:

PTSD service dogs are real and provide life-changing support. These organizations train and provide service dogs at little or no cost:

- Patriot PAWS Service Dogs: www.patriotpaws.org (Texas-based)

- K9s For Warriors: www.k9sforwarriors.org (Florida-based)

- Paws For Purple Hearts: www.pawsforpurplehearts.org (National)

- Canine Companions: www.canine.org (National)

FOR FAMILY MEMBERS AND CAREGIVERS:

- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www.nami.org

- NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264

TREATMENT OPTIONS:

Effective treatments for PTSD include:

- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

- Medication when appropriate

- Service dogs trained for PTSD

- Support groups

- Mindfulness and grounding techniques

Recovery is possible. Healing takes time, but with proper treatment and support, people with PTSD can and do recover.

A NOTE ON THIS STORY:

Logan Foster's journey with PTSD in this book reflects the experiences of many veterans and trauma survivors. His symptoms, his treatment plan, his service dog, and his recovery process are based on real therapeutic approaches and real outcomes.

If you recognize yourself or a loved one in Logan's story, please reach out for help. You deserve support. You deserve healing. You deserve hope.

This book is dedicated to everyone fighting invisible battles, and to the people who love them through it.

You are not alone.