Poll Do You Employ Spirituality As Part of Your PTSD Coping Strategy?

[Dylan]

I know there's a poll here, "What are your beliefs about God/Higher Power" but what I'd like to know from folks is do you utilize a spiritual path as another tool in your PTSD coping "toolbox"?

From the previous thread, it appears that trauma often causes a spiritual reaction - and the person feels either aversion or attraction to "God".

What I'd like to know is, did you/do you bring in a spiritual practice specifically to address your PTSD (e.g. loss of meaning of life caused you to seek spiritual answers, etc.).

Thanks,
Dylan

 

[BrownEyes]

I do use spirituality to deal with PTSD. I find that being connected with God helps me to feel safer. If I believe that an all-powerful being is somehow watching out for me and helping me along the way, it definitely helps me to no be so afraid.

I also meditate spiritually and use prayer, and this helps me believe that there is more available to us than what we can just see every day with our eyes. It keeps me hopeful for the future.

 

[amethist]

I am a carer and I use spirituality and spirit in lost of ways.

Angel guides and too many other things to mention in one quick answer.

Without them we would not be where we are today and maybe without my belief in a higher power my husband would not be alive.

Amethist

 

[Mina]

I voted yes. I am a Christian, and I actually began a real spiritual practice because of my PTSD. If I hadn't gotten PTSD, I don't think I'd have ever darkened the door of a church ever again...it had been years. I was in such pain and so desperate I thought, well, it couldn't hurt. It was soooo different from the supposed 'christianity' I was raised in. I felt such love and kindness and acceptance, something I'd never experienced in a church. I filled out the visitor card and where they asked, "How can we pray for you?" I wrote, "I have PTSD." I was trying so hard not to cry when I walked up to the info desk and turned in the card. The lady there took one look at me and asked if she could give me a hug, and as soon as she did, I burst into tears and cried on the shoulder of a stranger. After that, another lady sent me postcards for weeks, telling me she was praying for me. It meant so much. I have kept going back since then (although it's still too difficult when I'm triggered, most things are).

Many of the things my PTSD has brought to the surface are so entrenched in the web of manipulations and hypocrisy of the religious crap I grew up in. Going to a church where I want to be there, with people who really care and don't judge, knowing the real Christ and not just some set of rules and lies, has helped me work through a lot in relation to my past and my PTSD. I also read a Life Application Study Bible regularly now. Reading the notes I think, wow, it's so different from how the Bible was 'interpreted' in my upbringing. I feel like I really learn a lot about how to live, act, and treat people. It really helps with my PTSD.

 

[ISupportHer]

As a carer, I did not vote but...

We go to church most of the time. Seen my wife join the choir, become a deacon, change her music listening to Christian music in the last 6 months, so I'd say yes for her.

Me, hmmmmmm
Can't say I am more spiritual but no less either. I have added several Cd's to my iPod. Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns, some others. I must say I listen them a fair amount and they kind of calm me sometimes.

What a varied play list I have on the iPod now. Christian music in addition to Metallica and such. Hope the iPod doesn't melt.

 

[Lisa]

I don't at the moment but if Buddhism counts then this is something I'm seriously considering.

 

[cragger65]

I have explored some Buddhist thought (my first pick), and I do have a Catholic background, but I include mindfullness and meditation as well as many energy techniques as spiritual practices, as well as smudging and sometimes prayer. Good question Dylan.

 

[Ambience]

I Made A Mistake

I actually do use spiritual practice all the time. Although i clicked no in error.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

No spirituality here. I was molested by the ministers wife. Most of the time I think god hates me.

 

[helena]

I haven't got a name for it - but I have a felt a sense of something growing within me.

Recently, I am more than aware of a sense of.... peace? strength? I don't know how to describe it.

I am a carer not a sufferer of ptsd but whatever the change is that I am experiencing, it is certainly helping me to cope.

 

[suzie q]

I voted no, not specifically for PTSD, but I do have a spiritual program. I'm new to the PTSD thing and have tried to use my spiritual program with my therapy and maintenance with my addictions. I'm not sure how to apply that presently to my symptoms.

 

[Momma Kitty]

peace and meditation

I used to run until I met my current husband. He makes me feel safe.
My running was a way for me to find solitude so I could meditate.
Now I just look for my peace and quiet to meditate.

I believe in prayer, but mainly, I need the solitude to get control of myself.
Organizing my thoughts and emotions to understand and deal with things. Then I get a plan or reality check before moving on with life.

When times are tough and I cannot run, like at work, I silently say mantra's or a pray to focus my thoughts to see me through the stress.

I definitely believe in the power of prayer.