Post-traumatic Stress Disorder A Biblical Approach
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is trigger by a terrifying event, whether experiencing it or just witnessing it. Symptoms may include but not limited to flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. PTSD if left unchecked can lead to a disruption of your everyday life. This includes disruptions with your health, happiness, relationships and fulfilment of everyday activities. If ignored, PTSD can put you at a higher risk of mental health issues, such as; depression, anxiety, eating disorders, alcoholism and issues with drugs, self-harm, and or develop suicidal ideations or actions.
In John 10:10 we read “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Turn on the television or radio and listen to the news or read the newspaper. The number of suicides attributed to PTSD is astronomical. An average of 20 veterans per day commit suicide. More police officers die from suicide than in the line of duty. “A study found that 103 firefighters and 140 police officers died by suicide in 2017, compared to 93 firefighter and 129 officer line-of-duty deaths” (firerescue1.com).
Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” There are many reaching out for help while others are just trying to cope with PTSD on their own. We are limited in our own abilities and need to recognize when we need help and allow the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. Alcohol, drugs, sex, and other destructive ways are not the answer but a demise to our wellbeing and future.
According to an article on verywell.com, “In the United States, more than 40,000 people commit suicide each year…. In a survey of 5,877 people across the United States, it was found that people who had experienced physical or sexual assault in their life also had a high likelihood of attempting to take their own life at some point…”
Although there is no quick medical fix for PTSD, the Church can and should be one place that can provide a place of patience, understanding, love and support for those needing and seeking for a holistic solution to what appears to be a lost cause to their condition. Aside from Mental health, having family members, church personnel and sufferers themselves trained within the body of believers is a good step toward helping oneself and others. Many believe that PTSD is just a mental condition that can only be resolved through mental health intervention and medications. Although mental health can be and is an important element in treatment. I believe that we are a triune being comprised of Body, Soul & Spirit and therefore, a Bible based Spiritual (holistic) approach to PTSD treatment is an imperative element to the healing of the Spiritual person alongside the physical person as well.
Trauma such as PTSD may very well open doors regarding discussions of profound spiritual issues/concerns of faith, personal beliefs, lack of purpose, individuality, guiltiness, and forgiveness. Pastors and lay leaders should not be worried to tackle these concerns with biblical based solid theological.
In Hosea 4:6 we find these Words: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge…. God’s calls upon His people to be a blessing, a helper, a light, and a resource to those that are lost, in need and hurting. We are God’s people with a purpose and mission. This is why our church, (BSCOG) has launched, “ReBoot, Beyond the Battlefield” Ministry to help anyone suffering from PTSD and equipping others in the body of believers on how to help others with whom they are able to reach out to. Our goal is to help church leaders, family member, friends, etc., from feeling unable to assist when someone is having a PTSD episode.
Approximately 22 veterans each day commit suicide. The numbers are higher for non-vets suffering from PTSD. Many of whom are members of a church. As such, I strongly advocate for church leaders to identify, validate, affirm and reach out to those who do not feel safe. Community of faith is crucial and beneficial for healing. The right thing to do is to get people plugged into the proper resources (in and out of church) that helps them, that doesn’t mean you are turning your back, you are in fact helping/supporting them and being a blessing by having them stay in the faith. Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Come and join us as we venture through the Word of God concerning the biblical principles of combating PTSD and restoring our inner spiritual being. Check our church website for specific ReBoot Seminar dates. This is open to every adult who is struggling with PTSD (military & nonmilitary related) or just want to learn how to help someone struggling with PTSD.
Proverbs 4:5-9 “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.”