The book “Denial: A Memoir” by Jessica Stern offers a detailed analysis of her trauma and subsequent denial after her adolescent assault by a serial rapist. This book examines the nature of sexual assault and ways to overcome the trauma and pain associated with the experience. The author uses her personal experiences to explain how individuals can deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to sexual assault. The author explores the importance of sincere confrontation as the best strategy to deal with sexual assault.
If human beings can confront their pains and trauma, it can be easier for them get liberated (Stern, 2011). The approach is necessary because it helps people stop worrying and instead focus on their future life. Through “denial”, the author believes that individuals facing stress and trauma can “lock away” the maltreatments of the past (Stern, 2011).
The idea helped Jessica overcome her pains and eventually found her healing from the assault. Without this journey, it is clear that the affected individual will be unable to develop meaningful relationships with his loved ones and friends. It becomes necessary to embrace a compassionate confrontation through denial and eventually develop true human relationships.
The author of the text has used her personal experiences and journey to explain how it can be possible to overcome the challenges affecting many people today. Without determination, courage and resilience, it can be impossible to alter our experiences and live a better life (Stern, 2011). The book is commendable for its insights and ideas through which individuals can dissociate with their past in order to survive. Although most of the experiences are painful and damaging, individuals can embrace the idea of denial in order to overcome.
The text also offers a detailed approach through which individuals can embrace their sociological aspects of denial. This means that affected persons should be conscious about their past and embrace denial. Denial is always necessary until the person overcomes the trauma.
It is advisable that individuals read this text because it provides the best choice to understand the situation and subsequently make the necessary decisions. The individuals will develop a new understanding and reasoning to overcome the stress. Although the author indicates that individuals will suffer from disturbing images and thoughts after sexual assault or trauma, the best thing is to embrace denial and have a positive attitude towards life (Stern, 2011).
Individuals suffering from different experiences such as PTSD and traumatizing sexual assaults can benefit from this text because it presents a psychological guidance to deal with them. The book echoes Robert Sapolsky’s ideas in the book “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers”.
Traumatizing events in a person’s life results in chronic stress thus increasing the risks of disabilities and diseases (Sapolsky, 2004). Sapolsky explains why self-help can be essential towards dealing with trauma. Jessica’s idea of denial can help individuals overcome trauma associated with PTSD or sexual assault.
The author uses her personal experiences to explain how individuals can deal with PTSD and traumatic thoughts through self-help. The important thing is for the reader to understand that human stress results in increased risk of disability and disease (Stern, 2011). In conclusion, I would recommend this book by Jessica Stern because it presents a pleasant journey that can help people deal with the pains of the past and live a better life.
Reference List
Sapolsky, R. (2004). Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. New York: Holt Paperbacks.
Stern, J. (2011). Denial: A Memoir. New York: Ecco Press.