In this powerful memoir, Juanima divulges a plunge into a darkness few are able or willing to speak about: the terrifying, anxiety-driven world of PTSD. Her family unaware, Juanima endures abuse and multiple rapes as a child, and at nineteen years of age decides to lock the memories away into "the vault" - the darkest recesses of her mind - forever. But she discovers that no vault is strong enough to hold the secrets of her past when fourteen years later, the traumatic birth of her second daughter triggers their release. It's not remembering the events that horrifies her the most - it's reliving them. Keeping silent, and dealing with it alone brings confusion, distrust, and pressure from her family, and Juanima's inner storm ultimately drives her to a crossroads of life or death. It's the voice of a stranger that inspires her decision to fight for her life, and for the futures of her daughters. In vivid, bold honesty, Juanima Hiatt illuminates the unspeakable torment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), how it affects family and friends, and what it takes to recover from it. She bravely shares her story in hopes that others will be inspired to break their silence, fight against their fears, and discover the freedom beyond their pain.
"The Invisible Storm should be mandatory reading for all doctors, therapists, police officers, child welfare, sex abuse victims, veterans, and family members of someone experiencing PTSD. Juanima shatters the belief that one never recovers from PTSD, and intrinsically portrays how it's done. It's a must-read." Sandy Neale, LCSW
"Juanima's journey evokes so many emotions in the reader that it is a draw whether to put the book down and digest it bit by bit, or read it from cover to cover. It is eye-opening and inspiring." Kali Miller, PhD