Some of the most common myths about PTSD are that only soldiers get it, that it’s the only way trauma affects people, that there’s no real hope of recovery, and that God is absent in trauma. None of these is true. Post-traumatic stress disorder can affect anyone, effective help is available, and God stays close to people who are hurting.
Myth 1: Only Combat Causes PTSD
PTSD is often associated with military veterans, and many who have served do carry the wounds of what they experienced. But trauma isn’t limited to the battlefield. Car accidents, assault, abuse, natural disasters, the sudden loss of a loved one, and medical emergencies can all leave lasting marks. Any situation in which a person feels powerless, unsafe, or out of control can lead to it.
That means the person sitting next to you at church, at work, or at the dinner table could be quietly carrying the effects of trauma. God sees every one of them:
Psalm 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
God’s nearness isn’t reserved for one kind of suffering. Whatever caused your pain, he is close to you in it.
Myth 2: PTSD Is the Only Response to Trauma
God made human beings remarkably resilient, and many people recover from hard experiences over time. But sometimes a traumatic event can’t be quickly overcome. PTSD is one possible long-term response, but there are others, including depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Some people try to numb their pain through alcohol, drugs, or other addictions, and others seek a sense of control through food, which can lead to an eating disorder.
Recognizing these patterns is an important first step. Scripture offers a better place to take our pain than numbing it:
Psalm 62:5-8 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
God invites us to pour out our hearts to him, with honesty rather than hiding. That kind of honesty is often where healing begins.
Myth 3: There’s No Hope for Recovery
Left untreated, PTSD can do real damage. Anger, irritability, nightmares, and emotional numbness can strain relationships and make it hard to keep a job. The good news is that there are research-supported treatments available. With the help of a qualified counselor or mental health professional, people can face what happened, process it, and find real freedom from its effects. Seeking that help is not a lack of faith.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
God often brings comfort through people, including counselors, doctors, friends, and a caring church family. And those who have walked through healing are often uniquely equipped to help others. If you are ever in danger of harming yourself, reach out right away. In the US, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Myth 4: God Is Absent in Trauma
People who have experienced trauma often feel alone, cut off from loved ones and even from God. The Bible doesn’t hide that feeling. Psalm 10 opens with the psalmist asking God why he stands far off and hides himself in times of trouble. But the psalm doesn’t end there:
Psalm 10:14 But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.
God sees the trouble. He doesn’t just notice it from a distance; he takes it in hand. Like the psalmist, you may feel helpless and alone, but you are not. God hears you, and he is with you.
The Takeaway
The most common myths about PTSD keep people stuck in silence and shame. The truth is that trauma can affect anyone, its effects take many forms, real help is available, and God is close to the brokenhearted. If you are struggling, reach out to a qualified counselor. There is hope.
