Faith To Heal From Trauma
Trauma and its universal reach is one of the many consequences we encounter in this fallen world opposite to the one God intended us to inhabit. Trauma is a physical or emotional response to a single incident or a series of distressing events or experiences. However, what one person describes as a distressing event may be minor to someone else since our views are based on individual perspectives and experiences. Traumatic events fall under such a broad spectrum, so psychologists developed three categories for them: Acute, Chronic, or Complex.
Trauma Types
Acute Trauma is a single incident that causes distress or puts you in danger. Think of a car crash, theft, witnessing a violent event, or something that threatens someone’s safety. There are a variety of symptoms related to acute Trauma, including panic or extreme anxiety, confusion or irritation, and feeling disconnected or unable to focus on tasks.
Chronic Trauma is repeated exposure to long-term prolonged or repeated distressing events that occur over months or years. An example would be domestic violence. These are events that have happened multiple times and include experiences. For instance, prolonged child abuse or exposure to war and combat. Chronic Trauma can be associated with flashbacks, unpredictable emotions, and physical symptoms such as headaches.
Complex Trauma is the long-term effect of exposure to events, often of an invasive nature, that cause severe distress or fear and have happened repeatedly. These events, such as sex trafficking, slavery, torture, or profound childhood neglect, are often pervasive. People who experience this type of Trauma usually have some symptoms related to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Wounds From Trauma
We’re surrounded by traumatic events, from bullying to violence in the community. We play video games that depict shootings and killings. Download apps that give breaking news and neighborhood alerts minute by minute to warn us about whatever traumatic event is nearby. Shootings, carjackings, and crime are at an all-time high, especially in large cities, and we are inundated with them. If we tune out, we won’t know about the danger around the corner, but if we tune in, we could find ourselves too scared to leave our homes.
All of us probably know someone who has been a victim of a crime. My family has been touched personally more than once, and we are probably more than the norm than the exception. An estimated 90 percent of adults in the U.S have experienced a traumatic event, with 7-8 percent having PTSD. Men experience 4 percent, while women make up a whopping 10 percent. Sexual assault is the most common trauma for women, with one in three experiencing it in their lifetime. Therefore, we must recognize that the traumatic events we’ve dealt with play a massive part in how we view the world.
Trauma Response
The most common reactions to a traumatic experience include shock and denial. In addition, pay attention to feelings of isolation, poor decision-making, shame, anxiety, or fear resulting from a traumatic event. There are many effective treatments for Trauma, including medications and therapy. For a person who has PTSD, Trauma-focused CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) has proven to be effective. This therapy aims to help you manage problems by changing how you think and act.
The American Psychological Association is a good resource
Let the healing begin
None of us go through this life unscathed, but when the things of this world traumatize us, God wants to be the one to soothe us and bring us peace. It’s certainly ok to utilize CBT therapy and other tools that can help, like therapy designed to assist us in managing painful and unwanted thoughts and emotions. We can also make a conscious decision to establish our personal safety by obtaining a gun permit or taking self-defense classes. But, as believers, we must remember our 24/7 access to a God who wants to heal us. Isn’t that a blessing? You don’t have to schedule a therapy session with God. Instead, if we call His name, He promised us in his Word that he’d be there day or night.
Unfortunately, none of us go through life unscathed, so it’s important to remember that our past and future are in His hands. God will always take care of us. He loves to come to our rescue and calm our minds and emotions. We all have Trauma, whether on a small or large scale, that we experienced. So, when the things of this world cause you Trauma, call on your Heavenly Father. He’d love to hear your voice.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
A Prayer for those dealing with Trauma:
Father God, I pray for the strength you promised to the powerless in Isaiah 40:29-31. You promised that the people who trust in you would soar high on wings like eagles and not grow weary or faint. You told us in Isaiah 41:10 not to be afraid because you are with us and will hold us up with Your victorious right hand. Psalm 34:4-5 tells us to pray to You, and you will answer us and free us from all of our fears. You tell us that those that look to You for help will be radiant with joy: and that no shadow of shame will darken our faces. Father, we believe everything you have spoken over us and pray these promises over our lives and those we love in the name of Jesus Amen!
*Be as specific as possible when you pray and use scripture. God can’t lie and must honor his Word*