Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis: (1 Resilience)

There are nearly 1,000,000 Americans living with multiple sclerosis, but their personal stories are rarely told. Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis is a narrative non-fiction book about incredible people who suffer from MS, and I seek to share the wisdom implicit in their lives and achievements. My five subjects include a neurologist, a psychiatrist, a political activist, a young blind man, and a woman with advanced multiple sclerosis, all who live productive and fulfilling lives despite significant adversity. For example, Chapter Six describes the amazing story of Sandra Orozco. She is a health care administrator whose life is abruptly turned upside-down by the disease, and she battles the depths of depression and family conflict. However, undeterred by vision loss, pain, and paralysis, she utilizes her personal strength, social resources, and religious faith to extricate herself from despair and inertia. She goes on to reinvent herself and live a joyful life as a political activist, well-known for speaking out against the infamous city of Bell scandal along with many other political achievements. The stories are written from both a personal and clinical perspective, including direct quotes and medical images. The text explores the science and psychology of resilience along with ways to improve resilience through therapy and mindfulness. The biographies are intimate, emotional, heart-wrenching, and heart-warming. They reflect the triumph, not of modern medicine, but of unique individuals. The stories and their lessons are practical and inspiring, with much of the message coming through the powerful personal anecdotes. Each chapter provides useful takeaways, and the conclusion summarizes helpful guidelines on how to lead a productive and resilient life, regardless of circumstances. The book is intended for a general audience and has minimal technical language. It contains contributions from five psychologists including Dr. John Forsyth (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy expert and author of several books) and Dr. Mark Katz (Resilience specialist and author of several books). Chapter Seven features an interview with Mabel Katz, a well-known expert in the Hawaiian philosophy of Ho'oponopono.

Review :
"A unique exploration of this very important psychologic construct in persons with MS. The detailed and engrossing individual patient stories will resonate with readers, and there are clear explanations of practical strategies that can be used to develop and enhance resilience for anyone with a chronic illness.--Barbara S. Giesser M.D., Author of Multiple Sclerosis for Dummies Dr. Beaber shares the inspiring stories of five people who challenged his beliefs about what it means to live well with MS--an unpredictable and often disabling disease. As a young doctor, he takes us on his journey to see beyond the fear and physical disability MS can cause, to discover the power of resilience these remarkable individuals display. He introduces us to an in-depth, yet accessible overview of the often-confusing and seemingly conflicting theories of resilience. Throughout the book, he skillfully interweaves pragmatic ways all of us can improve our resilience. His compassionate voice shines through and will encourage you!--Annette Langer-Gould M.D. Ph.D., Multiple sclerosis specialist and regional lead for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience for the Southern California Permanente Medical Group "An amazing piece for patients to learn about things they have control over...a wakeup call to the medical community, that they are being cavalier about the process of accepting diagnoses. I love the whole shifting perspective, mindfulness, etc....it is well written with a unique insight...a great read."--Marie Heron, Host of the Living with MS Truth be Told podcast, Qigong for MS instructor, speaker, and patient advocate "If you are impacted by MS, then you need to read this book right now! I've learned a lot from reading it, lessons I look forward to sharing with my own clinic patients."--Aaron Boster M.D., Systems medical chief of neuroimmunology & director MS center, OhioHealth. "Beaber explores the personal stories of his patients dealing with MS, as well as other hardships. Dr. Beaber's expert synthesis of personal, medical, and psychological elements is powerful and inspiring. This academic work reminds us that we all have strength and courage within us to face life's challenges--Gail C Brady, M.D., Psychiatrist "This manuscript is an amazing opportunity for education and growth on multiple fronts. It does a great job combining psychological frameworks for treating MS in a novel way. Resiliency is a powerful tool and is displayed beautifully."--Melissa Fledderjohann Ph.D., Clinical psychologist and director of pain management at San Mateo Medical Center "Open-minded in terms of what can help people, be it traditional religion or philosophy or Buddhist concepts and ideas."--J.R. Alcyone, Author of Five Fathoms Beneath "The author presents a very humanistic appreciation for his patients, tries to not define them by their MS, and yet also describes how they have integrated (and to what degree) their MS into their identity and self-concept. . Emerging research has shown that resilience can be taught and enhanced through training and therapy. Therefore, resilience may be conceptualized as a skill that can be drawn upon and refined, even if individuals are born with more or less resilience at the outset." --Anonymous Academic Reviewer