By Nancy Virden (c)2025

It is well-known that PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, can affect veterans. It is not limited to war though.  When news resurfaced about sexual abuse in the  Catholic church not long ago, a relative who lives in one of the cities most involved, told me she was depressed and highly anxious. When prominent personalities are accused of abuse crimes, it can stir up PTSD in many men and women. Any previous victims of abuse may find normal days interrupted when memories come and go. As for me, I no longer have flashbacks. However, when people yell in anger I feel threatened. This is from childhood and I respond by leaving if I can.  

You may witness this. If you are fearful of what is happening, control your tongue. Please do not tell a person experiencing a flashback to shake it off.  Knee-jerk reactions like “get on with it'” or  “quit feeling sorry for yourself” dismiss what is happening. A tortured mind, often complete with body sensation memories,  is temporarily overwhelmed.  To treat this like an attitude problem undercuts healing. Never imply this person is somehow failing.

Instead, keep your words and tone gentle, calm, and positive. Your goal is to help them find their way back. You may want to say your name. Express your care and love. Say, “You are not alone.” Offer assurances they are safe. Remind them of the current date and year.

Help them refocus on the here and now. One way to do that is to start describing the room you are both in and the people there. Draw attention to what the person’s five senses are experiencing in the present. “It smells like a storm is coming.” “The fan is blowing.” If their pet is nearby, bring it over.

A young woman named Emily* was ill. Mentally depressed and physically exhausted, much of her time was spent asleep or curled up on a couch. On occasions she did rise, her efforts at connection and function were heroic.

One day when she and I were alone, Emily suddenly threw herself into a huge bear hug and buried her head. She began rocking back and forth. Soon, she had turned her back to the room, trying to make herself small, hiding from whatever danger or pain she felt in her flashback.

No doubt in her thoughts she was a child again, feeling all the fears and sensations of abuse. Her momentary mental reality was terror and sadness, and her physical or mental survival was threatened.

I began to whisper. “Emily, it is ok now. You are safe. You are in a large room at (adding where we were). People care about you here. Your head is on a fireplace hearth, it feels cold. Your body is on a carpet, it is fuzzy to your feet. The lights are bright, and no one is hurting you. You are not alone. You are safe.”

Continuing along those lines for a few minutes, Emily eventually started to come out of it. When her horrible flashback ended, she was quiet, yet present, and grateful.

Feel free to share Romans 8:38-39 (below). Remembering God’s love is comforting.

PTSD flashbacks are difficult to watch. We do not have to be ignorant and afraid of reaching out to one so lost in the past.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Romans 8:38-39

 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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