God’s Support to PTSD: Past and Present
- Jim Putnam
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts and flashbacks of past traumatic events, as well as avoiding reminders of trauma, being overly alert, and experiencing sleep disturbances, all of which result in significant social, work-related, and interpersonal issues.
This discussion is mainly about veterans' PTSD past and present. PTSD, however, is a mental health condition that can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. The main focus will be on how God can and has helped veterans cope with PTSD. In most cases, the discussion may also apply to anyone who suffers from PTSD and their family members.
PTSD and Its Historical Recognition
While PTSD as we know it today was officially recognized as such, trauma stress disorder has been a medical issue for literally hundreds of years. The military recognized it with its title – PTSD in 1980. The treatment process for PTSD should involve a combination of physical, mental, and spiritual healing. There are multiple therapeutic remedies, ranging from talk therapy (often Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to cognitive reprocessing to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and other methods. Medication may also help alleviate symptoms.
God’s Hope for PTSD Survivors
Regardless of the circumstances, there is hope. First and foremost, that hope comes from God. The Bible does not directly use the term PTSD; it offers comfort, hope, and guidance for those experiencing trauma and its aftermath. Regardless of the circumstances, there is hope. Truth is a key component to coping with or overcoming PTSD. Reminding oneself that God loves, forgives, and values His people is extremely important. Knowing who God says we are and defining ourselves by His standards rather than by what we have done or what has been done to us is important. A person need not identify as either victim or perpetrator. In God, a person can identify as His beloved child.
Let us give thanks to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all helps comes. 2 Corinthians 1:3–5
One Veteran’s Experience
The following is an actual experience of a soldier who came home from World War II. He survived the Battle of the Bulge, but he witnessed the worst of combat. He spent a month in an English hospital before returning home.
While recuperating, he said he read the bible from cover to cover (twice). While never a church attendee as an adult, he grew up going to church, and I believe his faith in God helped him become a successful small businessman who was well-respected in his small community.
His PTSD never went away; he suffered with it from 1945 till he died in 1993. The hardest time was most weekends when he went to bed. He suffered nightmares and was verbal at times. He drank very little during the week because he knew he was responsible to his family and his business.
Weekends were the hardest times to battle the PTSD, so he often drank too much. During this time, his wife and kids always stood by him. I believe he knew the family cared for him through their belief in God.
PTSD is a powerful disorder that many veterans and others are overwhelmed by. Believing in God and His guidance helped this family live a good life while battling PTSD. While there are many means to battle PTSD and a lot of those do help in treating the disorder, the belief that God is there to comfort is a big part of why many veterans are coping with PTSD.
But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not get weak. Isaiah 40:31
The Ongoing Battle and Lasting Faith
The weapons of war have changed over the years, but the horror of war for some veterans has not changed. PTSD, unfortunately, affects a lot of people, both veterans and trauma victims. The belief in God and following his guidance and encouragement through His biblical word is the foundation for treatment when used in a combination of physical, mental, and, if necessary, medication.
And my God will supply your every need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Read Other Posts by Jim: Faith in God's Word
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