Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Veterans Resource Guide
These resources focus on PTSD as a result of combat or military exposure. Many voices are calling for the church to be a significant partner in the complex readjustment process of returning home.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can occur after one has been through a traumatic event. The resources on this page focus on PTSD as a result of combat or military exposure.
Recent reports indicate that one of the major consequences of all warfare is PTSD. Some studies indicate that as many as 18% of returning combat veterans struggle with some significant mental health issues. Department of Defense medical authorities now estimate that as many as 30% of returning Army Reserve and Guard members struggle with such issues four to six months after returning.
Many voices are calling for the church to be a significant partner in the complex readjustment process of returning home. Leaders now tell us that awareness of this need should be heightened, and we can prepare to more effectively walk with a veteran who is making the transition home from war. Those who understand the need advise: become informed, pay attention to what is happening, avoid judging the veteran, gently shepherd the veteran to resources available, and hold them in love.
These materials are provided to enable the church and families to be more alert to the needs of veterans and to understand how to help.
Worship Resources
- My Refuge and Strength - Psalm 46
- The God of Healing - 2 Kings 5
- What A Friend We Have in Jesus - Isaiah 61, Matthew 11
- Worship service idea from Reformed Worship
- Hymns focused on healing
- Guiding Questions for Planning a Service of Worship During a Time of War
More Resources
Prayer
O God, you are the one who looks way down deep inside of all of us. You see and know what no one knows, no one at all except we ourselves. And, not only do you see us and know us, but you also feel things along with us, even the very painful stuff, the deep stuff along with us, and we feel a strange kind of healing taking place. For it’s like you care and you understand…and we’re no longer left alone with our burdens.
Today, those of us who are struggling inside—who’ve been broken and hurt and still feel the tears within—we thank you for being there and sharing with us what we cannot bear alone.
- from a prayer by VA Chaplain Richard A. Lutz
Read this complete prayer and other prayers