Understanding PTSD And Finding Improved Healing Made Through Faith

PTSD Awareness Month – June 2024

June is recognized as PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and supporting those who live with its effects. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as war, assault, natural disaster, or serious accident. It can be an overwhelming struggle for many women, but hope and healing are available.

In this blog, we will discuss what PTSD is, the symptoms, and how faith in God can be a source of strength, healing, and restoration for those affected by this condition.

What Is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs in people who have experienced or witnessed a terrifying event. Although not everyone who goes through trauma develops PTSD, for some, the emotional, mental, and physical effects of trauma linger long after the event is over.

Some of the common symptoms of PTSD include:

• Intrusive Memories: Recurring, distressing memories of the traumatic event or flashbacks.
• Avoidance: Trying to avoid thinking about or being reminded of the trauma, including avoiding people, places, or activities associated with the event.
• Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Feelings of hopelessness, difficulty maintaining close relationships, and emotional numbness.
• Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: Being easily startled, feeling constantly on edge, trouble sleeping, and experiencing intense feelings of guilt or shame.

These symptoms can range from mild to severe and often interfere with a person's ability to function in daily life. PTSD can develop at any age and may appear soon after the trauma or even years later.

The Impact of PTSD on Health

PTSD can have a significant impact on both mental and physical health. Those who live with PTSD often experience increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Physically, PTSD is linked to higher rates of heart disease, digestive issues, chronic pain, and a weakened immune system. These effects can be compounded if left untreated.

Recognizing the importance of mental and emotional health is crucial. As Christians, we know that God calls us to care for every part of ourselves, including our mental health, and to seek His healing.

Finding Healing and Support for PTSD

If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, know that you are not alone. There is help available, and through faith, community, and proper care, healing is possible. Here are some ways to seek support and healing for PTSD:

1. Seek Professional Help: One of the most important steps in managing PTSD is seeking professional help. Therapists who specialize in trauma can provide tools to process traumatic experiences in a healthy way. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other forms of trauma-focused therapy can be incredibly helpful.

2. Practice Self-Care: Taking care of your body and mind is essential when managing PTSD. This includes getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in physical activity. Simple practices like deep breathing, meditation, and grounding exercises can help ease feelings of anxiety and distress.

3. Lean on Supportive Community: One of the most powerful ways to heal from trauma is by connecting with others. Finding a community of people who understand your experience or joining a support group can help you feel less alone in your journey.

4. Turn to God for Strength: For Christians, faith can be a profound source of strength and healing in the midst of suffering. God understands our pain, and we are invited to bring our burdens to Him. In moments of fear, distress, or hopelessness, we can turn to the Lord for peace and comfort.

Psalm 34:18 (KJV) reminds us,
"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."

Even in the darkest moments, God is with us, ready to heal the brokenhearted and bring restoration.

5. Pray and Meditate on Scripture: Prayer is a powerful way to release the burdens of trauma to God. Spending time in prayer and reflecting on His promises can bring comfort and peace to a troubled heart. Consider meditating on scriptures that remind you of God’s steadfast love and presence, such as Isaiah 41:10:
   "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Supporting Loved Ones with PTSD

If you know someone living with PTSD, your support can make a significant difference in their healing journey. Here are some ways you can offer support:

• Listen without Judgment: Allow your loved one to share their experiences when they feel ready. Be patient and understanding as they navigate their emotions.
• Encourage Professional Help: Encourage them to seek professional counseling or therapy if they have not already done so.
• Offer Practical Help: Whether it’s helping them with day-to-day tasks, providing a quiet space for rest, or accompanying them to appointments, practical help can ease their burden.
• Pray Together: Offer to pray with them and remind them that God is always near. Your prayers and spiritual support can provide comfort and assurance of God’s presence in their lives.

Conclusion: Healing in God’s Hands

During PTSD Awareness Month, let us take time to raise awareness about this condition and extend compassion to those affected by it. Healing from trauma is not easy, but with God’s help, professional support, and a loving community, it is possible to rebuild and find peace.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (KJV) encourages us,
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

If you or someone you know is living with PTSD, take heart. God is the ultimate source of comfort and healing. As we seek His peace and trust in His plan, we can find restoration and hope for the future.

Understanding PTSD And Finding Improved Healing Made Through Faith