"A Critical Need Addressed"

“A Critical Need Addressed”

 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was first recognized as a “mental disorder” by the American Psychiatric Association in 1980, although it’s not, strictly speaking, a mental illness but rather a normal reaction to an extraordinary event. (Traumatic spiritual and moral wounds may be present in people’s lives as Post-Traumatic Stress {PTS} but not reach a level warranting a PTSD diagnosis.) According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) some 7.7 million adults are affected in any given year. While it occurs in society as a whole as a result of accidents, natural disasters, abuse and other significant events it’s commonly associated with the military. The phenomenon goes back many centuries but in the American context it has its roots in the Revolutionary War and was especially prevalent during the Civil War when it was called “Nostalgia” or “Soldier’s Heart”. In 1915 the term “Shell Shock” was coined. It’s developed by exposure to harmful and violent incidents, especially deaths of colleagues. Before the condition was seen for what it is those demonstrating symptoms were thought of as weak, removed from threatening situations and often discharged from the service.

In a summary posted by the NIH to identify and treat symptoms of PTSD one element is conspicuously missing: the spiritual aspect. CBAmerica Chaplain (Colonel) Dean Bonura, a 30+-year Army veteran, has stepped into this void with his significant book Beyond Trauma: Hope and Healing for Warriors. His thesis is summarized in his own words: “When we focus on spiritual aspects, many of the associated effects—whether mental, emotional, or physical—diminish, and become manageable.” Since we are spiritual beings (“…It is the spirit in a {person}, the breath of the Almighty, that gives {him or her} understanding.”—Job 32:8) any attempt to achieve wholeness apart from the faith dimension is incomplete. Through careful research Chaplain Bonura shows that by applying biblical principles to the struggles of PTSD the needs of the total person can be met. He moves from the theoretical to the practical by using recent real life as well as biblical examples (citing Job, David, Paul and Jesus) to illustrate the place of faith in this process.

Since counselors and other health professionals often disregard the spiritual factor in dealing with clients suffering from PTSD Chaplain Bonura’s work is a real breakthrough. I wish such help had been available during my pastoral career and earlier in my health care chaplaincy ministry. If you know anyone who shows traits of PTSD or are in a position to help those struggling with it I strongly recommend this resource. As we take our responsibility to our fellow believers seriously (“Each one should use whatever gift {he or she} has received to serve others….”—1 Peter 4:10) the Body of Christ becomes stronger and He’s glorified. And please continue in prayer for those afflicted with PTSD.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan