Ptsd And Religion/ Spirituality

[zbztster]

T they were sick, they were born that way, they weren't just upset or mad at me or hurt by life, they were messed up in the head, they were born with some wires crossed and had no hope or chance of getting better,

Loner, thanks for posting. I'll make this brief. One theory I find interesting is that we are in many ways products of our parents who are products of their parents who are products of their parents, etc. Whether as a result of direct abuse or neglect, lack of protection, or just plain ignorance. In my generation I have a lot of responsibility to try and "turn it around." I bring change into this world by changing myself to be a better person everyday and I hope and pray that it makes a difference in the end game.

My ptsd is an uphill battle. Maybe with God's help I'll make it through. For me, God is a Heart Specialist. And after all this time with ptsd, I think that's the area that gets battered the worst.

That's an amazing statement Junebug. Thank you.

 

[Thinkingman85]

Recently, I watched a video regarding having a spiritual experience. It was stated that people tend to want to connect to a spiritual presence... one that is fulfilling. This could be Jesus, Allah, etc. Personally, what I tend to have an issue with is when I do try to connect with Jesus, a connection is there, but it seems faulty and not everlasting. I continue to try to connect because I was connected for 21 years, but there is always malfunctioning occurring. What the person in the video said was that there are a vast majority of real life experiences that are important in one's life and the person doesn't have to always continue to try to connect with a spiritual presence. Furthermore, he stated that religion have placed dogmatic importance on a spiritual connection with the divine (or the idea of divine), when in fact, it may not be possible. It may be a faulty endeavor in and of itself. I'm not trying to sound pessimistic, but I know how I feel.

 

[zbztster]

Thinkingman, good point. I have to come from the perspective of the Bible as I understand it. The oldest recorded history known to man. And the summation of the whole book is "God with us." I know this is true, mostly by mystery, but I know. And I know that the connection is one of the healthiest prescriptions in my personal dealings with PTSD.

 

[Privateer]

I do try to connect with Jesus, a connection is there, but it seems faulty and not everlasting.

Maybe he isn't the deity for you? Have you tried connecting with any of the others?

 

[Thinkingman85]

No, but I view them as interesting to learn about. I'm going to study more about Jesus. Honestly, I think my issues have to be tackled personally by therapy, medication, and other health-promoting means.

 

[Tinyflame]

Thanks zbztster. I am glad for you, to have your anchors. That makes sense. And am glad you made it back successfully.

Funny you should say it, reminded me, I had (have) a rock, kids painted it I think, said "God is with us", and 3 or 4 flowers on it, and a cross. Recall thinking (ptsd included, and in general), the "us" makes me feel better. ( It's in my purse, as is everything else. :) )

 

[Nadege]

He told me I needed balance, someone to help keep me grounded. I think I found that in my spouse.

That is wonderful - thank God.:)

 

[Loner]

Loner, thanks for posting. I'll make this brief. One theory I find interesting is that we are in many ways products of our parents who are products of their parents who are products of their parents, etc. Whether as a result of direct abuse or neglect, lack of protection, or just plain ignorance. In my generation I have a lot of responsibility to try and "turn it around." I bring change into this world by changing myself to be a better person everyday and I hope and pray that it makes a difference in the end game.


That's an amazing statement Junebug. Thank you.

Yea, this is a very common belief, and one I do not subscribe to. I used to. I spent about 22 years hoping my family was capable of change or love, they just are not. Some people are just born with mental disorders, its just a fact. Its backed up by research and empirical evidence too.

Its good to try and bring positive change to the world. If religion helps you to do that then it is probably good too.

 

[Shellbell]

I've given up on my faith. I can't go to Church anymore and keep hearing things I don't understand, that hurt so much and make things worse.

I can't be a hypocrite and go to Church when I don't believe in what I hear. I will never understand why any big plan of God's, has to involve so much pain and suffering. It doesn't make sense and it doesn't look or feel like love.

 

[Loner]

Yea, I find the world to be a much happier less confusing place when you just think that this life is all we get, we're just a bunch animal running around etc. It helps keep me from feeling like the victim in some cruel game, and reminds me that what god doesnt give to you, you have to go and get for yourself.

I am open to believing I am wrong. God is famous for speaking to skeptics more than believers, I'm waiting.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I was spiritually abused by religous people in a little church. It was a cult. I was betrayed and abused horrifically. It drove me into the bible to see what it really had to say. My highter power revealed to me. I have faith. I do not think the higher power puts pain in peoples lives I believe people do that to each other. I said I would never enter a chuch again. It has been many years since the spiritual abuse. We finally moved away from those people and for a year and a half I have been in the process of healing and recovering from it.

It took me years to recover their religous bullying. I have been changed by that. My faith has changed and is more realistic. It takes into account that I have to be really careful around hard core religous people. I tend to avoid them. They are a big turn off and very triggering to me.

Just recently I have gone to two different churches. I was surprised that lightning did not strike. LOL.

I think I will go to the smaller church. Some of it makes me feel uncomfortable but I am glad that I have overcome my terror os churches. I actually got something out of it today. It made a difference in my life.

But i would say to anyone getting hurt in a church to quit. We have to be careful and stay away from religous zealots. Legalism is toxic and lethal.

I do not believe the higher power is playing games with us and punishes us. We punish ourselves I think a great deal more. We have free will and choose the kind of people we will be. I hope that I am not offending anyone.

I have been through hell with religous people. I am glad I overcame my fears and got back in the horse. I begin to get some healing from this. It is a nondenominational church. I am not going to get involved in church activities. I will keep it light. I like zen and buddism too. I think there is alot of good in the different beliefs that make people feel better.

 

[Addy]

First, I want to thank Zbztster for starting this thread. It's funny because it is a topic I think about a lot. I was not raised in a religious home, though I was baptized a Christian. I never went to church as a child, and only a few times as an adult. My thoughts on God have or a 'higher power' have varied throughout my life. I want to believe that there is a God... someone watching over me. Yet, I feel so alone in this world. I can't help but ask myself if God is so 'great' why did he ignore my prayers as a child to stop the abuse. Why am I still reliving it today?

The other part of religion I struggle with (as I've been on a spiritual journey to try to find something that 'jived' with my innermost feelings) is the concepts of reaping what you sow (Christianity) and karma (Buddhism and Hinduism). All of this seems like blaming the victim if you ask me??? I don't know... maybe I'm just too analytical. I sincerly want to believe in SOMETHING... that my struggle to get well and be a better person will lead me down the right path. Yet, I've been in therapy for years, just spinning my wheels. Nothing ever gets any better. It seems the more I try to break free from my past and my memories, the more they haunt me. I pray every night for God to give me a sign... to show me the way...to help me become stronger. :notworthy: