Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

When someone you love is struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the toll can be overwhelming. The smallest annoyance can trigger emotional outbursts or anxious feelings of despair.

It’s important to remember, though, that PTSD is a normal response to abnormal circumstances.

In the words of Dr. David Powlison, “That sense of being unglued by something that is ungluing and horrified by something truly horrifying is actually the way God has wired us.”

“My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me. Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking.”

Psalm 55:4-5 (NLT)

Of course, God does not want anyone to stay in this state, which is why it is important for people to get the support they need as they process traumatic experiences and move towards healing.

We at Joni and Friends count it an honor to be able to help servicemen and women in this process as part of hosting Warrior Getaways for the entire family. This getaway is specifically designed for men and women who have visible and invisible wounds as a result of war. These getaways provide a wide range of accessible family activities, powerful speakers, one-on-one networking, and time in God’s Word.

But military servicemen and women are not the only ones who suffer from PTSD. Statistics tell us that as much as 9 percent of the population will live with PTSD at some point in their lives. Many of these people living with the after-effects of life-altering trauma also live with a chronic health condition or disability.

Like Mireille Blanchard shares in the Joni and Friends podcast episode “God’s Grace in Chronic Illness,” there are very real traumas that a person experiences during serious illness.

In fact, the percentage of individuals living with medically induced PTSD could be as much as 12 to 25 percent of people who have experienced a life-threatening illness. The ongoing trauma of these medical conditions can be an additional barrier to healing for individuals living with this kind of PTSD.

June is PTSD Awareness Month, so take a few minutes to listen and learn more about this debilitating disorder. And then share it!

And if you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, know that there is help for you. God leans near to listen to your fears and grief. He longs to comfort you.

Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: “Please, LORD, save me!”

Psalm 116:2-4 (NLT)

Keep seeking the help you need to find healing from the trauma you’ve experienced. One more thing? Let us pray for you, too.