what self-help books for ptsd are there?

[MOSP]

My psychiatrist has suggested I try again with one to compliment my sessions with her. I tried before with one (can't remember what it's called) and it was unhelpful for me/made me feel worse trying to DIY therapy.

So, what have you read and did it help you?

I've not heard of any self help books for PTSD and I had the bugger for 2 years. My experience with PTSD is that you need to go gentle on yourself and anything that causes flashbacks is not helpful.

What can help is some more indirect 'therapy' like mindfulness or even cbt to help you cope with some avoidance issues.

I'm already in the system. My psychiatrist doubts I'll get accepted yet for the type of cbt I need (not stable enough). She suggested trying books as well as my support from her, I suppose as an attempt to gain something near that elusive stability.

I looked on Amazon. There are loads. Anyone got recommendations? My trouble is that my ptsd is complex, and I feel like it can't be cured. Even reading a book will trigger. Even writing this is a trigger. Reading is hard (crap concentration).

NLP might help you - there is a guy who had PTSD from (I think) the Iraq war and NLP worked for him and now he helps others. But this is not much help as I can't remember his name.

Allthough there are books on NLP I would not recommend using them for PTSD - you would need a professional as they help you through the process and make sure you stay OK throughout it. The process does not involve dragging it all up again, except in the most distant way.

a word of encouragement - mine is complex too - and I'm 95% better and feeling pretty good most of the time. It's taken time and it's been very hard facing up to things but it is so worth it.