PTSD, ever heard of it? Post-traumatic stress disorder may occur soon after a major trauma, or it can be delayed for more than 6 months after the event. When it occurs soon after the trauma, it usually gets better after 3 months. But some people have a longer-term form of PTSD, which can last for many years. The cause of PTSD is unknown, but psychological, genetic, physical, and social factors are involved. PTSD changes the body’s response to stress. It affects the stress hormones and chemicals that carry information between the nerves. Having been exposed to trauma in the past may increase the risk of PTSD.
I don't think I know one person who hasn't had some sort of traumatic event in their life. Some people think that only soldiers returning home from war experience it. But that isn't the whole truth. Yes, our courageous soldiers do experience it, but so do many "Average Joe's". The only difference is a soldier is known to have it and seek help, but the public will not. And the stigma that PTSD carries is almost shunned, especially by Americans. And to admit to having any kind of mental illness is "crazy" in the United States.
Then I wonder how the folks down in Joplin, MO will do. I know May 22, 2011 was traumatic for the victims of the tornado, but what about all the volunteers? What about the things people saw that night or the days to follow? I have only heard or read the stories of what people saw, and I wonder if they will ever be the same. Surely not! Adults and children witnessed things that were truly horrific. They saw people impaled with wooden beams, children with wounds so severe their bones where showing. Yet there was a sense of community with everyone helping each other out. Everyone there were and are heroes.
I did go down to Joplin to help with the clean up with my youngest daughter and church. Even going down there 10 days after to volunteer, changed our lives. It did effect both of us, and truthfully there is no way that it couldn't have. Seeing the homes that were demolished, the trees that were once there all gone, and the lives that were taken was unreal. I don't know how to explain it but, there was this "funk" around the area. It was what some people call a "bad vibe". Almost like you could smell the feeling of sadness and unsureness. Unsure of how they would build their lives back up and the lives of others.
Joplin is far away from being repaired. But when you listen to the stories and look into their eyes, you can see that little spark of hope. You can't live one second without hope. The citizens of Joplin will be and are going to be suffering from PTSD, and it is our duty as Christians to help out some way or another. We are told by Jesus to be salt and light. We have to be gracious like the Lord to the victims of the tornado now and in the future. So if you will please take 5-10 minutes out of your day and pray for healing. There needs to be healing in Joplin, and also in the surrounding areas. We need not be anxious about anything, but in prayer with everything.
All I can do is volunteer and pray for Joplin, and I so want to do more. This whole disaster has changed my life. Now I seem to be more cautious when there are storms or tornado watches. I don't go outside to see the sky when the tornado sirens go off. I have a survival pack and plan for my family if we were to ever go through something like that. I strongly recommend that for everyone.
