I'm a Christian with PTSD
                                              God can even use my situation for His glory

                                                                                                                                           
       
Mt acronym for PTSD = PRAYER -THANKFUL-STEADFAST-DEDICATED (TO TRUST IN GOD)
 

I have military service-connected disabilities, and yes, there were moments when I even had suicidal thoughts because I felt like I was a burden to my family. I found myself withdrawing from society and avoiding social situations at all costs.

 I did not want to be around people, but my wife kept pushing me to seek help and got me back into the church. While symptoms of PTSD won't ever go away, through treatment, they can be managed and remain dormant, so living and thriving with PTSD is possible.

FYI only People who have experienced a traumatic event and have PTSD are at greater risk of attempting suicide. About 27% of those diagnosed with PTSD have attempted suicide. Last month, the media reported on three separate yet related death by suicide in just one week.
Does PTSD damage the brain?

According to recent studies, Emotional Trauma and PTSD cause brain and physical damage. Neuropathologists have seen overlapping effects of physical and emotional trauma upon the brain.
Although The Bible does not say anything specifically about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD, I can glean much guidance from some indirect teachings in the Bible.

What is PTSD: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a severe accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or rape or who have been threatened with death, sexual violence or severe injury. Yes, I have a treatment process involving physical, mental, and spiritual healing. I also require professional help. My treatment is ongoing.

I have gotten many resources from the VA hospital.

Medication has helped alleviate some of my symptoms. I m thankful to have a network of support—counselors, doctors, my family members, pastors, and the church family—it has been essential in my recovery process. 

Of course, my most important support is God, our ultimate Healer, and Counselor. David wrote, "From the ends of the earth I call to you, / I call as my heart grows faint; / lead me to the rock that is higher than I. / For you have been my refuge, / a strong tower against the foe" (Psalm 61:2–3). It is our responsibility to exercise faith in God, to stay in the Word, to cry out to God in prayer, and to maintain fellowship with other believers.

 We go to God in our distress and use the resources He provides.

Regardless of the circumstances, there is hope. First and foremost, that hope comes from God.

Posttraumatic stress disorder can be devastating, but I must remember that I was not alone in my struggles. 

Many others have dealt with PTSD, and resources are available to help you. It can be challenging to get through each day when you're struggling with PTSD, but staying positive and focused on the good in your life is essential.

 You deserve happiness in your life, and you deserve to be healthy. There are many ways to cope with PTSD, but staying in God's Word does help. By changing your thinking, focusing on the good, practicing self-care, and finding a support group, you can manage your PTSD and find joy in your life again. I did. I discovered that Changing my perspective helped me stop feeling sorry for myself and focus on the good things God has blessed me with in my life. Finding humor in my situation allows me to laugh away some of my stress and fear.

I had to learn to speak the truth about practical things; it was challenging but also necessary. Often, I felt endangered when the situation did not warrant it. 

Remind me that going to Walmart or any store is not a traumatic event but a new and safe situation. This is important. It is also essential to say that PTSD is not an excuse for bad behavior. Likely, PTSD will contribute to opposing thoughts and behavior patterns. This is understandable, but it should be resisted.

James 4:7 New International Version
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

When we encounter trauma, it's natural to have an immediate and often intense response. After all, the human brain was not designed to experience these kinds of events.

 When we are suddenly confronted with danger, it triggers the "fight-or-flight" response in our brains. This is an automatic reaction that our ancestors needed when they were in trouble — but unfortunately, these responses are now triggered by experiences that are not physically threatening.

 Fortunately, as Christians, we do not have to leave suffering unaddressed or unresolved just because we believe that Jesus has already won the final victory over evil and sin. 

With Christ and his Holy Spirit living within us, we can still find a way forward from any traumatic event and begin to heal from its effects on our lives. If you or someone you know has experienced trauma from abuse or other events and needs help understanding how the Christian faith can help with PTSD, read for some suggestions.

Know that God cares about you and will help you heal.
 

Jesus suffered significant trauma in his life — not only on the cross but also in his childhood when he was separated from his mother and had to confront the injustices of his society. Jesus also lived with the knowledge that he would suffer an unjust death. 

Like Jesus, you can rely on God's presence and love when you feel most alone. God is always with you and will help you heal from the trauma you have experienced. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to get to know God better. Read his Word to find out what he thinks about you and the trauma you've experienced.

Remember that you are not alone.

When you suffer trauma, it's important to remember that you aren't alone. 

The Bible tells us that we've all experienced hardships due to living as human beings on this broken planet. One of the most reassuring passages for those suffering trauma is Psalm 34:18 : "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." God's Word tells you that you are not alone; others have endured the same suffering and survived, and so can you. It would be best if you reached out to others in your community who can be there for you when needed. You may want to find a local trauma survivors' support group or a counselor who can help you connect with others who have also experienced trauma.
 

Acknowledge your feelings, but don't rely on them exclusively.

When we encounter trauma, we are often encouraged to express our feelings, but it's important not to rely too much on them.

 For example, if you were sexually abused as a child, it's not healthy to continually re-experience those emotions or sensations in your body. Instead, you want to acknowledge those feelings and emotions and then focus on healing from them.

 You can do this by writing down your memories, speaking to them to a trusted friend or counselor, or engaging in other activities that can help you process what has happened without re-experiencing the trauma again and again. You can do this for any traumatic event in your life: a car crash, the death of a loved one, acts of violence, or natural disasters.
 Remember Can PTSD be permanent?

In some cases, mainly where it is not treated, PTSD can last a very long time, perhaps the remainder of one's life. Most people with longstanding PTSD find that the symptoms are not steady in severity. For some people, PTSD symptoms gradually fade over time. I have developed insomnia and sleep apnea and still wake up in a sweat. I still react to sudden movement or noise. However, I continue to work on myself through God and my wife and ongoing counsel.

Identify what helps you feel safe.

Some people want to avoid the situations that trigger their trauma. Others want to face their fears. It's essential to identify what helps you feel safe:
• Avoiding certain people or places.
• Facing your fears.
• Engaging in activities that help you relax.
• Engaging in activities that help you feel strong.
• Connect with friends or family members who can support you.
• Spending time in nature.
• Reading scripture.
• Praying.
• Seeking professional counseling — these are just a few of the many ways you can begin to heal from trauma.
My wife convinced me to join the recreation center's American Legion and silver sneakers and pursue my photography hobby.

 
 
Find a trusted counselor and build a support network.

Talking with a professional counselor can help you process your trauma and find new ways to cope with your anxiety, fear, or other negative emotions. It can be helpful to talk with someone who understands what you're going through and who can help you process and heal from the trauma you have experienced in your life. It's also essential to build a support network of people who can be there for you when you need them. You may want to find a support group or start visiting a counselor who can help you find others like you who are going through similar things.
 

Take care of your body by eating well and exercising.

Taking care of your body is an essential part of healing from trauma. Eating well and exercising can help you to feel empowered, relaxed, and strong. In addition, taking c