PTSD After Abuse Part 2: Examples of Overcoming Adversity
The Impact of Childhood Trauma: My Journey Through Adversity
The violence inflicted on me when I was a child is an adversity I did not choose. The injuries I incurred affected me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Some of these injuries, and certainly not limited to, were from the initial trauma: bruises, forced sexual abuse, and other forms of cruelty. Over time, I developed memory problems, sleep disturbances, distressing flashbacks of the abuse, nightmares, unexplained fear of normal events, low self-esteem, and the mindset that when bad things happened, it was usually my fault.
Natural Responses to Trauma
I reacted to each injury with a varying degree of emotion, an impulse to protect myself, and cries for help. It seemed that the combination of symptoms I experienced, commonly connected with PTSD, are also natural responses to traumatic events. And most importantly, they are surmountable. As experts explain, “Most people who go through traumatic events may have a hard time adjusting and coping for a short time. But with time and by taking good care of themselves, they usually get better.” (Learn more about trauma responses).
Overcoming the Wounds: A Message of Hope
My response to the atrocious abuse I experienced was a belief that I would overcome the wounds and their negative effects. Even though I experienced PTSD for a time, it did not define me nor dictate the life ahead of me. God, who created me, defines me. He is the one who laid out a complete plan and purpose for me when He brought me into this world. Philippians 1 describes God in action in our lives, and for those who don’t know Him, He wants you to know Him and His eternal love.
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” – Philippians 1:6 (NLT) (Read more).
God’s Presence in Our Healing
Even in hardship, I am assured that He is always near to me and will never leave me. Like any wound, time and care encourage healing. Psalms 147 and 34 describe God participating in our lives, even more than we can understand, especially when we face adversity.
Psalm 147:3-5
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit. (Read more).
Psalm 34:17-19
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. (Read more).
Facing Nightmares and Finding Peace
Each victim is unique in what they’ve experienced, how they respond, and what help they secure after the traumatic event. Nightmares and disturbing dreams haunted me for many years. I took authority over the negative effects they once had on me. Rather than ignoring them, I prepared to battle them head-on—before I went to bed. My battle ritual included setting out my favorite Portmarion porcelain cup, a bag of tea or sipping chocolate near the stove, and picking out a good book or movie to have ready.
For those evenings I woke from a nightmare, I got up, fixed a cup of tea or hot sipping chocolate, and sat wrapped in a blanket on the sofa. Some nights I read; other nights I watched a movie.
But every time, I began my nightmare-battling ritual by lifting one hand in the air and looking up:
“Dear God, take every detail of this nightmare and show me if there is any part of it I need to address. Heal me from the pain it’s causing me and replace it with Your peace. I trust in You.”
I encourage you to read or listen to this article, Sleep Beneath His Promises, by Scott Hubbard, managing editor at Desiring God (Read more).
Understanding PTSD Symptoms
If you are interested in learning more about PTSD (Learn more), here are some common symptoms:
Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:
Unwanted, distressing memories of a traumatic event that come back repeatedly.
Reliving a traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks).
Upsetting dreams or nightmares about a traumatic event.
Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to reminders of a traumatic event.
Symptoms of avoidance may include:
Trying not to think or talk about a traumatic event.
Staying away from places, activities, or people that remind you of a traumatic event.
Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:
Negative thoughts about yourself, others, or the world.
Ongoing negative emotions like fear, guilt, anger, or shame.
Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of a traumatic event.
Feeling detached from family and friends.
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
Difficulty feeling positive emotions.
Feeling emotionally numb.
Symptoms of changes in physical and emotional reactions (arousal symptoms) may include:
Being easily startled or frightened.
Always being on guard for danger.
Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast.
Trouble sleeping or concentrating.
Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior.
Physical reactions like sweating, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat, or shaking.
For children 6 years old and younger, symptoms may also include:
Reenacting a traumatic event or aspects of it through play.
Frightening dreams that may or may not include aspects of the traumatic event.
Healing the Deepest Wounds
I discovered the deepest layers of injury were within my spirit, where I held bitterness, anger, and regret. In that place, God reached in, dividing bone from marrow and soul from spirit like a double-edged sword, to heal me from the burdens I struggled to let go of.
Hebrews 4:12-14 says:
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Read more).
You Are Not Defined by PTSD
Consider this: PTSD does not have to define you. In my experience, this kind of adversity is surmountable. You have a choice to heal with the help of many: therapists, counselors, pastors, church groups, music, art, nutritionists, friends, family, fitness organizations, hiking clubs, and even pets. Discern that those you choose to help are safe and encourage you to heal in a healthy and legal way. Trust in God, who created you, loves you, and cares for you.
This blog is for informational purposes only. Anina Swan LLC Blog makes no warranties, expressed, implied or statutory as to the information in this post.