“What Is PTSD—and How Do You Heal from It?”

“Why am I still thinking about it? Why does my body feel stuck in a moment that’s long gone?”These are common questions asked by people living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD.

PTSD is not just about having a bad memory. It’s about how the brain and body get “stuck” in survival mode after experiencing overwhelming stress or danger. And while PTSD is deeply painful, it is also deeply treatable.

Let’s talk about what PTSD is, what it’s not, and how healing happens—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying or traumatic event. It may come from one major event (like a car accident or assault), or from chronic trauma (like childhood abuse, war, or ongoing domestic violence).

It’s not about “being weak” or “living in the past.” PTSD is a natural response from a nervous system that experienced too much, too fast, or too often.

Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms fall into 4 major categories:

1. Re-experiencing

• Flashbacks

• Nightmares

• Intrusive thoughts

• Physical reactions when reminded of the trauma

2. Avoidance

• Avoiding places, people, or conversations related to the event

• Numbing emotions

• Withdrawing from relationships

3. Negative Thoughts and Mood

• Blaming self

• Hopelessness or fear

• Memory issues

• Feeling detached or flat

4. Hyperarousal (Fight/Flight Mode)

• Easily startled

• Angry outbursts

• Trouble sleeping

• Feeling “on edge” all the time

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)

For people who experienced ongoing trauma—like childhood neglect, long-term abuse, or life in unstable environments—there’s something called Complex PTSD. It includes the core

PTSD symptoms, but also:

• Chronic guilt or shame

• Difficulty trusting

• Identity confusion

• Emotional flashbacks

What PTSD Is NOT

• It’s not “all in your head”

• It’s not a sign of being spiritually weak

• It’s not just something you “get over”

• It’s not something only veterans get

Anyone—man, woman, child—can develop PTSD.

What Causes PTSD?

PTSD can develop after:

• Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse

• Natural disasters or car accidents

• Sudden loss or witnessing violence

• Living in unsafe or unstable environments

• Medical trauma or childbirth complications

• Spiritual abuse or betrayal

It happens when the brain doesn’t fully process the trauma—so it stores it like an unresolved file, and the body keeps reacting as if the danger never ended.

How to Heal from PTSD

Healing is absolutely possible, but it takes time, safety, and support.

1. Trauma-Informed Therapy

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – helps the brain reprocess trauma in a safe and structured way.

• Somatic Therapy – helps release trauma stored in the body.

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) – addresses thoughts and beliefs linked to trauma.

• IFS (Internal Family Systems) – helps heal parts of the self that got “frozen” during trauma.

Working with a trauma-informed therapist is key. You don’t have to carry this alone.

2. Regulating the Nervous System

PTSD affects your body, not just your mind. Healing involves calming the nervous system:

• Deep breathing and grounding exercises

• Yoga or light movement

• Journaling and creative expression

• Sleep hygiene and safe routines

3. Building Safe Relationships

Healing happens in safe connection. You need people who:

• Don’t minimize your pain

• Don’t push you to “move on”

• Are patient, kind, and trustworthy

4. Spiritual Restoration

Trauma doesn’t just damage the body — it wounds the soul. But God specializes in soul restoration.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

Here’s what spiritual healing might include:

• Lament – Being honest with God about your pain

• Prayer and worship – Reconnecting your spirit with God’s comfort

• Forgiveness – Not excusing what happened, but releasing yourself from its hold

• Deliverance – In some cases, spiritual oppression must be broken off in prayer

Final Word: PTSD Is Not Your Ending

Having PTSD doesn’t make you broken — it means you survived something hard. But survival is not the end of the story. God is calling you to restoration.

“I will restore to you the years that the locusts have eaten…” – Joel 2:25“You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you.” – Romans 8:37

Prayer for Trauma Healing

“Lord, You see every wound, every flashback, every tear, and every moment my body still feels trapped in the past. Help me walk through the process of healing with courage and support. Calm my mind, restore my soul, and teach me that peace is possible again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”