Introduction

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a lasting consequence of traumatic ordeals that cause intense fear, helplessness, or horror. Examples of things that can bring on PTSD include violent assault, the unexpected death of a loved one, an accident, war, or natural disaster. The events that can cause PTSD can either be experienced first hand or be witnessed . Symptoms may come and go , some last longer than others .Families of victims can develop PTSD, as can emergency personnel and rescue workers.
Most people who have a traumatic event will have reactions that may include shock, anger, nervousness, fear, even guilt. These reactions are common, and for most people, they go away over time. For others however, these feelings continue and even increase, becoming so strong that they keep the person from going on with their lives as before . People with PTSD have symptoms for longer than one month and can’t function as well as before the event that triggered it .

Definition

The emotional and psychological reaction to any event experienced by a person who considers this event as traumatic or life threatening, either to self or as witnessed by the person which causes the person to change in thinking patterns and then behaviour, and interaction with others and the world around that person. Onset of symptoms can start weeks, months or years after the traumatic event/s. Talk to a doctor or mental health care provider (like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker) if your symptoms:
  • Last longer than a few months
  • Are very upsetting
  • Disrupt your daily life

Causes

  • any traumatic event 
  • War , Vehicle accidents, Natural disasters, Rape, Still births, miscarriage, Domestic violence,
  • Hijackings, armed robberies , Farm attacks Etc.

Symptoms

  • Anxiety, fear because of inability to control circumstances
  • Lose interest in former hobbies, interests
  • Insomnia
  • Cold, distant emotionally to block painful emotions
  • Constant alertness
  • Rage, irritation
  • Easily upset about seemingly trivial matters
  • Works constantly – does not want to have free time to think, relive traumatic events
  • Constantly watches TV to block out bad memories
  • Withdraws from people and relationships, lives isolated
  • Manipulates people to stay in control
  • Self-hate or cannot forgive others
  • Unable to share feelings, emotions, deep thoughts
  • Loves deeply but cannot commit in fear to lose again or to disappoint again
  • Never takes leadership, does not want responsibility
  • Fight
  • Flee
  • Lives in fear of death
  • Lives recklessly, challenges death
  • Nightmares, flashbacks to traumatic event, smells, sounds
  • Identity crises
  • Survivors guilt
Relationships with others suffers the most.

Why pay attention to this matter?

No society can be healthy with wounded, traumatised citizens.
The world we live in is full of trauma every day. When soldiers are sent home from the battlefield and are never debriefed, they will try to handle their experiences in their own, human way. When a mother is robbed at gun point at home, what happens in her mind? A farmer is attacked on his farm at night, if he survives, every leaf blowing in the wind becomes a threat, every person passing in the road an enemy.
When these experiences are left without counselling, what happens in the person’s mind and emotions? Some are able to forcefully push all the negative memories into far corners of their minds.  But most people are not able to do that. Most people will have great difficulty to make sense of what happened to them and what to do with their thoughts and emotions.  If they are not adequately helped, they will seek other ways to help numb the feelings, to get rid of the nightmares. Some often turn to alcohol, drugs, perversions and suicide. Suicide numbers amongst war veterans in the USA has noticeably increased even when the Veteran’s Association has tried to help with counselling and medication.
Here we have a remarkable opportunity for the Church to step in. The Church has the answer, the only lasting answer, the only answer that is effective, because the Church has Christ who carried ALL our hurt, shame and suffering at Calvary.

How to handle a loved one suffering from PTSD?

Love.
Prayer.
To suffer from PTSD is a deeply personal matter. The sufferer will most likely deny any symptoms or genuinely not be aware that his behaviour has changed. They often think they can handle it and are handling it and does not recognize that they have changed and need help. They feel ashamed and inadequate.
To confront this person will most likely bring a negative reaction and a strengthening of the new behaviour to protect one self. Aggression is common. They often resolve to try harder.
We have the Holy Spirit as our counsellor and to help a loved one will require an absolute commitment to Christ, to hear how He leads, and follow exactly as He commands. God knows the hurting heart better than anyone of us, He hurts the most for our suffering loved one.
Ask God to lead you in how to pray and practically live each day with your loved one.
Read up, talk to others who have been in the same situation.
Reading material:

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/ptsd_basics.asp

https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/product/conquering-ptsd/

https://www.jeremystalnecker.com/2021/02/23/what-is-post-traumatic-stress-disorder/

https://www.jeremystalnecker.com/2021/02/24/what-is-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-2/