Ptsd And Religion

[Angus McGee]

Here's a question for all of you who are smarter than me. (Which is probably most of you) ;)

My wife and I met in Church back in 1989. We've been raisin our children with Christian values and beliefs their entire life. We had our son dedicated in our church after he was born. All of us have been baptized, etc. We all enjoy Christian music, listen to Christian radio stations, etc.

However, since my wife's PTSD relapse several months ago, she has turned her back on her faith. She called the Christian music that she once enjoyed "contrived". Whenever I bring God into our discussion, she always says "You need to stop talking about that".

She's told me that she doesn't understand why God would allow these things to happen, and make her feel the way she does. I quote verses to her about God's will is higher than our will, and His thoughts are higher than ours, etc. and it seems to go in one ear, and out the other. As I was in her bedroom the other day, I noticed her bible, on the floor, half-way under her dresser. Obviously unopened in ages.

So, my question is this for you folks suffering from PTSD, and also a believer, be it Catholic, Christian, Jewish, etc...

Does suffering PTSD make you want to stop practicing your faith?

It sure seems to in my wife's sake. She's told me she has a very difficult time trusting anyone, me included. It seems that trusting in God is also in that boat.

I look forward to your input.

Thanks!

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

I am not sure how I should answer this. Carefully I think.

I am not christian...but mine still holds the basic belief of God's will. I once was more practicing, more heeding of God. I can't say that I am now. I find little comfort in doing things religious. Maybe that means something about me...but its so hard after seeing what I have seen to be...so forgiving of the God that 'made' it possible. After all its his will right? So why can't I be angry?

There is also a problem with connecting with the other religious people around me. They don't understand where I am coming from. Just looking at me, with my tattoos and piercings makes them neverous. How can I even talk to them on a friendly level? I feel like an outcast.

There is, however, the 'testing' part. As in...God testing you and your faith. Is this a test? I guess so. How do I win? By dying as what is God's will or dying by my own will ( suicide) ?

I think this is different for every person. I hope I didn't get to harsh, wasn't trying to...just got angry at it all half way through.

 

[Angus McGee]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I'm sorry it upset you. I don't mean to get into a theological discussion in this thread. That is not my intent. I'm just wondering if there are others out there who find following the faith they once knew more difficult while suffering from PTSD.

Thanks again, Ayesha.

:)

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Don't worry about upset me. No problem...I mean I had a choice in answering you. I was more worried about upsetting you. I don't get social cues to well.

So, okay, short answer. Yes, I find it much harder.

:)

 

[Lucycat]

I have completely lost my faith since my diagnosis of CPTSD. I know consider myself an atheist. I don't feel I need religion any more. It was simply a crutch, just like drinking too much alcohol was. I feel liberated, since I have left it behind.

Sorry if this is not what you want to hear/read. For me it is the way it is. My husband has found it hard but accepts my choice.

 

[Angus McGee]

Thanks, Ayesha. Don't worry about upsetting me. My skin has developed quite the thickness lately.

Lucycat, what was your faith before your diagnosis? If Christian, did you go to a certain church denomination? Baptist, Methodist, etc.

I completely understand if you're not comfortable in answering.

 

[BigBear]

She's told me that she doesn't understand why God would allow these things to happen, and make her feel the way she does.

God doesn't test us. If we rely on Him, then we have additional strength to overcome. If God doesn't let you stand on your own, then it is a sign that he doesn't have any faith in you. God knows I am strong, so he lets me try to be the overcomer that he knows me to be. Then, when I reach my limit, and I cry out to him in true faith, he gives me extra strength to continue overcoming.

God didn't do the things to her (your wife), contrary to popular belief. People did them! God allows all to be free. He can't just allow some to be free and turn the others into robots. That would make him an abuser of his children. Even the ones that are not responsible with their freedom are still his children. He comforts all who will let him. He gives them a place to hide and recover. The only requirement is that you come to him to receive the comfort and protection. We however get hurt by others and immediately blame God for it. We walk away and stand at a distance and say to Him, "You are evil!".

Angel's parents did that to her. They called her evil for something that she had no control over. But when she looked up to God so many years later, he held out his arms to her begging her to come to where he could protect her.

So, you get to choose. The choice is not made for you. Also, you can walk away at any time.

Bear

 

[Nicolette]

Angus you project very strong Catholic beliefs and I respect that even though not religious myself.

If I read correctly you asked if PTSD Sufferers lost their faith in God. Replies have stated they have. I don't think the type of denomination has any real relevance to be honest.

My simple answer to your question would be this - after ending up with PTSD it can be hard to hold onto any faith when symptoms of PTSD can cause suicidal tendencies. How would anyone having your greater good at hand want you to suffer so painfully? Seriously, how can faith in God stop the traumatic thoughts which hurt that badly making someone want to take their own life just to end the pain? Or is this some screwed up take on natural selection?

I actually hate discussions of religion and prefer to respect people's choices and leave it at that.

 

[Angus McGee]

Thanks, bigbear. I agree with you.

I'm just wondering if my wife's struggle with her faith is another PTSD symptom common to other sufferers.

 

[kimba]

I was brought up Catholic. Although I haven't been to church other than for funerals over the last few years, I still consider myself Catholic. I have basically taken what suits me and left the rest. I don't want to go down this road except to say hope and faith in "something" or "someone" has to exist or we would never get through each hour let alone each day. If God has a problem with how I've handled myself, I guess I'll find out someday but that isn't my focus right now. Survival is.

 

[Angus McGee]

Nicolette, I'm not Catholic. I'm Protestant. I can explain the difference to you, but like I said, I don't want to make this into a theological discussion.

My question was whether or not PTSD sufferers find it more difficult to practice their faith, whatever that faith is. I can understand that it would be difficult to maintain that faith when suicide seems a viable option. For me, God is the Almighty Comforter and Healer. I have ran to Him (spiritually) nearly every day since my wife's relapse in prayer for her healing and comfort, and for strength to stand by her side and support her.

Not suffering from PTSD myself, I can't grasp the pain and mental anguish that would turn one away from the One they once believed in. That being said, I have learned that the sinapses in a PTSD sufferer's brain don't function logically, and those things that make perfect sense to me (not just on this subject) seem completely irrational to a sufferer, and vice versa. In fact, I've seen it first hand.

Thanks for your response.

 

[Deleted member 6617]

My faith has remained constant for the most part. I do however find myself doubting from time to time, but always come back stronger. My faith is pretty personal and I don't push it on others nor do I want it pushed on me. That has not changed with my diagnosis of PTSD/cPTSD, it is just another part of who I am.