The Reality Slap – Dr Russ Harris
Book: The Reality Slap by Dr Russ Harris
Background:
I joined the military as a way of attaining a university education that my upbringing would never have enabled. I went from a highschool drop out, struggling with drugs and poor mental health to a mechanical engineer with first class honours.
I thought my hardest struggles were behind me, but after eight years of service, I was medically discharged from the ADF. On the 11th of Feb 2020 I was a Captain in the Army, and at 0730 the next morning I boarded a flight to South America with no other plans or direction. I was noone.
The sudden and complete loss of identity was the single hardest experience of my life. Just prior to leaving the army, I overcame the shame and decided to get help from a professional through Open Arms @openarmspeers.
She recommended this book to me, and it is the reason I am still here today. There are many books that have changed my life, many more I hope to share here, but this book is one that I would urge anyone to read, no matter what stage you are at in your life, because you never know when your reality may suddenly fall apart.
The Book:
Dr Russ Harris is an Australian psychologist that grappled with personal suffering from a sudden and unexpected shift in his life. His book is a practical guide to building inner resilience and eventually, finding purpose and meaning in your suffering.
Result: After discharging from the Army, I overcame my depression and anxiety and found meaning from my struggles.
I completed my Masters degree and am now on the way to publishing my first book to help others overcome the effects of depression and anxiety in our veteran community.
I hope this book helps you as much as it has me.
