Last week I had the privilege of attending a week long seminar at the National Center for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) at the VA Hospital in Menlo Park, CA. It was mostly attended by psychologists and social workers, and a few of us chaplains.
As we know, many Vets have returned from combat in SW Asia, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, may have or develop PTSD.
PTSD can also develop if one has experienced a traumatic, life threatening event such as an assault, or a disaster. (Examples include childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, terrorist attack, sexual or physical assault, serious accidents, car wreck, plane crash, natural disasters, hurricane, earthquake, fire, tornado, flood.)
Most people will have stress reactions after a trauma. If the intense stress does not go away after time, (post trauma) or it disrupts one's life it is called a disorder, hence "PTSD".
Signs of PTSD include: nightmares, flashbacks, use of drugs, drinking to excess, withdrawal, depression, rage, suicidal thoughts, fear, confusion, can't stop thinking about the event, reliving the event, jumping at loud noises, avoidance, feeling numb, feeling intensely anxious or keyed up, having trouble sleeping, having trouble concentrating, feeling always on guard, feelings of hopelessness, relationship problems, difficulty holding a job, chronic physical pain, feelings of intense distress when reminded of the trauma.
Help is available. Most VA Hospitals have treatment for PTSD. The National Center for PTSD at the Menlo Park VA Hospital in California has some residential and innovative treatment programs for men and women Vets.
There are many therapies and treatment programs for PTSD. These include:
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CBT)
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Mindfulness Practice
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
There are many more therapies, but these are the most effective.
Noticeably absent are any therapies of a spiritual nature or emphasis. But this is changing. It is unfortunate, that the medical model of therapy and healing took a turn in separating the spiritual from the scientific. It is well noted how much a person's spirituality, spiritual or religious / faith beliefs and practices can be a source of strength and resilience in healing and wholeness.
For more information on these therapies, or how to get help for PTSD, please go to the National Center for PTSD web site: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/index.asp
Western medicine (unlike Eastern Medicine) has compartmentalized physical and mental and left out spiritual all together. This is very unfortunate considering we are all these aspects are intertwined. As you mention we are just beginning to see a more integrative approach to medicine. It is only through an integrative approach that true healing can occur versus treating symptoms.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful opportunity to expand your ministry. I think lots of people suffer from this and are unaware of the ramifications of trauma and stress.
How are you?
Peace,
Laurie
Laura
ReplyDeleteSounds very practical and applicable to your ministry development.
Peace.
Sandee
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI was the chief of chaplain services at the VA Hospital in White River Jct. VT before moving to NM. I am a UCC chaplain and pastor. Your comments are right on target. I have written a book for our colleagues "Healing the Shattered Soul: Pastoral Care for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder" It was published right after 9/11 and there have been many holistic advances. So glad you mentioned the mindfulness meditation. Went to a great program on Healing Trauma at UCLA in April and the presenters gave a great overview of the "complementary" treatments. Be well and blessings and healing for you.