Healing Centered-Trauma-Informed Church Series

DEFINITIONS:

1. Psychological/Mental Health Trauma: A profound emotional and psychological response to distressing events that feel overwhelming or difficult to cope with. It can stem from incidents such as accidents, natural disasters, war, violence, abuse, neglect, or the loss of a loved one.

2. Acute trauma refers to a single, intense event that triggers immediate and overwhelming distress. Examples include car accidents, natural disasters, or physical assaults. Unlike chronic trauma, which stems from prolonged exposure to distressing situations, acute trauma is a brief but impactful occurrence.

3. Chronic trauma arises from prolonged exposure to persistent, stressful, and harmful situations that profoundly affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being over time.

4. Spiritual trauma refers to the profound harm inflicted on an individual’s sense of spirituality or connection with God. It often stems from damaging experiences within a religious community, such as abusive teachings, toxic practices, or harmful leadership. These experiences can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or even a loss of faith. It serves as a powerful example of the challenges—or "giants"—we may encounter in our daily lives.

INTRODUCTION:

We live in a time of widespread trauma. Every day, we are confronted with news and events that cause emotional distress and mental strain. For some, trauma is a one-time event, while others experience ongoing cycles of stress and harm.

Trauma takes many forms but has one common factor: it leaves deep scars on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This article explores three types of trauma many face daily—Acute Trauma, Chronic Trauma, and Spiritual Trauma.

Trauma is closely tied to the Christian faith, as it is an inevitable part of our journey as believers. Even the most faithful Christians can face a loss of faith due to trauma. Unfortunately, mental illness is often attributed solely to sin or spiritual factors within the Church. While these can play a role, trauma is also a significant cause of mental health struggles.

Community is essential for thriving but can also be a source of trauma. Acute trauma, defined as a single traumatic event or a short series of events, can result from natural disasters, accidents, violence, or other sudden tragedies. These events often cause severe physical and emotional effects, such as anxiety or PTSD. For instance, survivors of hurricanes may live in constant fear of another disaster, impacting their mental health.

The Church has a critical role in responding to the mental health crisis. It must provide safe spaces for individuals to process their trauma and seek help, offering counseling, support groups, or simply a listening ear. The Church should also educate its members about mental health, reducing the stigma that prevents many from seeking help. By fostering a supportive environment, the Church can encourage healing and recovery.

Additionally, the Church must address systemic issues contributing to trauma. This includes advocating for social justice, supporting those facing poverty or discrimination, and promoting healthy relationships within families and communities.

As followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbors, which includes caring for their mental well-being. By offering support to those who’ve experienced trauma, the Church can help individuals heal and find hope. Let us build a culture of compassion and understanding within our churches so all may feel welcomed, heard, and supported on their journey to recovery.

IMPACT OF TRAUMA:

1. EMOTIONAL: Experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, struggling with persistent feelings of sadness or worry, and having difficulty managing or controlling intense emotions in everyday situations.

2. BEHAVIORAL: Avoidance of people, including withdrawing from social interactions and isolating oneself, as well as engaging in self-destructive behavior, such as neglecting personal responsibilities, harmful habits, or risky activities that may negatively impact well-being.

3. PHYSICAL: Insomnia, difficulty falling or staying asleep; Headache, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain; Fatigue, persistent tiredness or lack of energy despite rest.

4. COGNITIVE: Experiencing short-term memory loss, which makes it difficult to retain recent information or events. Additionally, frequent flashbacks of past events may occur, often vivid and involuntary, causing a person to relive certain moments from their history.

5. SPIRITUAL: Experiencing a loss of faith or a diminished passion for God, often accompanied by feelings of disconnection or abandonment. These struggles can leave individuals questioning their beliefs and searching for a renewed sense of purpose and spiritual fulfillment.

COMMUNITY IN AUSTRALIA:

* One in five Australian adults live with mental illness

* Approximately 4.3 Million people aged between 16-85 have a 12 months period of mental disorder.

* Nearly half of the population will be affected in their life time.

* The Church exists 'as' and 'for' community.

* Community enhances mental health recovery.

* Church needs to create sense of belonging and source of support.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES:

* The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

* The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)