What is PTSD? 

PTSD is an acronym for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is listed in the Diagnostic & Statistical manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) as a condition that may occur when a person experiences or is exposed to a traumatic event involving death, serious injury, or sexual violence, either by:

• Directly experiencing it
• Witnessing it in person 
• Learning it happened to a close family member or close friend
• Repeated exposure to details of traumatic events (e.g., first responders)

 (American Psychiatric Association, 2022) 

 

How does PTSD affect our loved ones?

PTSD symptoms can appear unexpectedly and may show up as:

• Distressing memories
• Trauma-related nightmares
• Flashbacks or dissociative reactions
• Intense emotional distress or physical reactions when reminded of the trauma

(American Psychiatric Association, 2022) 

After a traumatic experience, it is important to give loved ones space to decompress and process what they have gone through, without pressure to immediately return to a “normal” routine.

Avoidance is also very common. A person may avoid:

• Thoughts, feelings, or memories related to the trauma
• External reminders such as people, places, or activities connected to the event

(American Psychiatric Association, 2022)

Other major changes that may be noticed can include:

• Irritability or anger outbursts
• Reckless or self-destructive behavior
• Hypervigilance (feeling constantly on edge)
• Exaggerated startle response
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances

(American Psychiatric Association, 2022) 

When these symptoms persist for more than a month and significantly impact daily functioning, a formal diagnosis of PTSD may be made. It is important to surround your loved ones with a safe space and to listen to how they want to receive support. This support may change over time, as healing is not linear. Certain triggers may become more noticeable in some seasons and lessen in others. Healing takes time and often requires support, patience, and care, both for the person experiencing PTSD and for those walking alongside them.

Spiritual and practical support in the healing process

For many, PTSD is not only a psychological and physical experience, but also a deeply emotional and spiritual one. As believers, we also recognize the importance of grounding ourselves in truth, peace, and hope during difficult seasons.

In Ephesians 6, Scripture reminds us:
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power… For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against spiritual forces… Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor… Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth, the body armor of God’s righteousness… Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times…”
(Ephesians 6:10, 12–18, NLT)

 

How can we practically support healing through faith?

One practical way to engage with Scripture during difficult moments is to choose a “fight verse”, a passage that brings truth and peace. Writing it down, keeping it nearby, or repeating it when distressing thoughts arise can serve as a grounding practice during moments of emotional overwhelm.

You may also reflect on Scripture in creative ways, such as journaling, prayer, or even music, as a way to reinforce truth in daily life. Writing things down can help make it easier to remember and return to when needed.

PTSD can affect people in different ways depending on the season they are in. Some moments may feel marked by fear or anxiety, while others may feel like exhaustion, numbness, or deep emotional heaviness. In those moments, Scripture can serve as a grounding reminder of truth, presence, and hope.

To support this, the Bible verses below are grouped by common experiences in trauma recovery and may offer encouragement and strength. You do not need to choose only one, different verses may speak to different seasons.

Fear & Anxiety Relief

When fear, anxiety, or hypervigilance feel overwhelming, these passages remind us that fear does not have to be carried alone. They point us back to strength, grounding, and reassurance in moments of distress.

Isaiah 41:10: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Philippians 4:6–7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7: Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
2 Timothy 1:7: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Joshua 1:9: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Peace & Inner Calm

When the mind feels restless, overwhelmed, or unsettled, these verses speak to a peace that is not dependent on circumstances, but one that steadies and quiets the heart even in difficult seasons.

John 14:27: Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Isaiah 32:17: The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.
Matthew 11:28–30: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Strength & Endurance

When exhaustion, emotional heaviness, or numbness set in, these Scriptures remind us that strength is not always about pushing through, but also about being sustained when our own strength feels gone.

Philippians 4:13: I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Psalm 73:26: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Isaiah 40:31: But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
2 Corinthians 12:9: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Romans 8:18: I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

God’s Presence & Protection

When fear, isolation, or feeling unsafe feels present, this passage gently reminds us that even in the darkest valleys, we are not abandoned. There are presence, comfort, and guidance through it all.

Psalm 23:4–5: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Healing & Restoration

When walking through recovery and longing for healing, these verses point toward restoration and healing, reminding us that brokenness is not the final word.

1 Peter 2:24: He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.
Jeremiah 17:14: Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

Identity, Grief & Hope

When struggling with grief, shame, or a shaken sense of self, these Scriptures affirm identity, honor grief, and point toward a future where pain and suffering are not permanent.

Psalm 139:13–14: For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well.
Matthew 5:4: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Revelation 21:4: He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

 

If you are struggling with PTSD

If you or someone you love is navigating the effects of PTSD, you don’t have to walk through it alone. Healing is possible, and support can make a meaningful difference.

At Wellspring, we offer counseling services as well as trauma-focused programs for both teens and adults, designed to help individuals process painful experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Our approach is rooted in care for the whole person (emotional, psychological, practical, and spiritual) meeting people where they are and supporting them at a pace that feels safe.

If you are looking for support, we invite you to reach out to request an appointment with a therapist, speak with our team, or explore our pages and resources to learn more about trauma recovery and available care.

 

References: 

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Association Publishing. 

Written by Gabriela Sevrin