Intro
Hi friends! Welcome to Abiding Love Podcast-A ministry for mental health and trauma,where I believe that just because you've survived, doesn't mean you're healed. Thank you for joining me today! In each episode we’ll dive deeper and explore how and where true healing is found! I’m your host, Brandy Pursley.
This episode is brought to you today with thanks and acknowledgement to Light University and the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Music is “Near to you” by Kite Flight, courtesy of Uppbeat.
****Legal Disclaimer: I AM NOT A LICENSED THERAPIST AND THEREFORE I AM NOT QUALIFIED OR CLAIM TO GIVE MEDICAL OR PSYCHIATRIC ADVICE OR HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO PRACTICE MEDICINE.
****FULL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: As a mental health coach, I agree to respect and uphold confidentiality of any potential client WITH THE EXCEPTION of threat of suicide, homicide, or abuse of an individual.
If you suspect abuse of a child, senior citizen or disabled persons or domestic violence, please contact DCFS at: (877) 237-0004.Reports can be made anonymous.
If you reside in Texas, you can call the TX abuse hotline: (800) 252-5400.
If I suspect abuse is occurring in any form by or to an individual, as a mandated reporter in the state of Texas, I will be required to report the occurrence.
If you are feeling suicidal and need help, please call:
Suicide Hotline
(800)273-8255
988 (mobile)
Now, last week we touched on a little bit about trauma and the damage it causes in its aftermath. This week, we’ll expand on that. How do we define trauma? Well, Webster defines it as “ a deeply distressing or disturbing experience.” Trauma can have long lasting effects on us as humans. Whether we admit to it or not, we have all experienced or will experience a traumatic event at some point in our life. Whether it be a death in the family, loss of relationship, illness, etc. we all face some level of trauma.
Here on earth, trauma is an indiscriminate crisis we face on the daily. It pays no mind to gender, age, ethnicity, or religious beliefs. It comes in like a thief in the night to rob us of our safety, security, privacy, mental, physical and spiritual health. Trauma can come in different levels of severity. The trauma I want to mostly focus on are the severe cases because that is where our mental health is usually at risk. Abuse of any kind, witnessing or being involved in a traumatic event such as 9/11 or school shootings are all examples of severe cases of trauma. All of which I hope and pray my listeners have not experienced all at once in their lifetime. If so, my heart and prayers go out to you! I’m truly sorry and pray that you keep hanging in there and listening to get the encouragement you need to begin your healing journey!
****Trigger Warning: this episode discusses severe trauma, mental health issues, child abuse, homicide/suicide.****
Trauma leaves collateral damage. Especially when it is a major life- altering event. The more traumatic the experience, the more likely our mental health will suffer and decline. It’s a heartbreaking reality to know that about 50% of our population has undiagnosed mental illness or disorders which means that they’re not getting the help they need. Why? Because many still view mental health issues as a stigma. No matter if they suffered from trauma or not. The idea of “mental health” began in the early 20th century, however, it was mostly coined as mental illness because they didn’t really understand the separation of different disorders that caused mental health issues back then. Mental health awareness became more popular in the 1990’s and so much of the stigma surrounding it declined. Not totally disappeared, mind you. The world as we knew it then versus what it is now is why trauma-informed mental healthcare has become more prevalent among many healthcare facilities and even among those who work closely with children, seniors, veterans, and the disabled.
As a podcast host, I also listen to other podcasts. True crime is one of my favorite guilty pleasures. What can I say? I love a good murder mystery! I also enjoy trying to figure out the psychology behind the crime and the perpetrator. As you can guess, true crime usually involves some sort of trauma inflicted involuntarily towards an unsuspecting victim. The most traumatic, being… you guessed it, child victims. In fact, when my daughter was younger, around 3- 4 yrs old, I would have nightmares about her being abducted. I would wake up terrified and in tears and would run to her room to check on her and make sure she was safe in her bed. I was going back to school at the time and I was suffering from some severe separation anxiety. I had been at home with her for the first few years so it was hard to leave her. So, you can guess as a momma myself, It hurts my heart to hear about the abuse, neglect, and especially the death of a child due to an unfeeling, disturbed individual whether it be an adult or another child causing said harm.
Now, you’re probably wondering, “Brandy, why in the world would you listen to that?” Believe me, sometimes I do have to pause it to give my ears a rest from the constant barrage of trauma human beings inflict upon one another. Other times, It helps me stay grounded to the reality that I may be in the world but not of the world and my heart breaks for these innocent helpless victims. I am not desensitized to the suffering of others and God has blessed me with a compassionate heart to see trauma for what it is and what it does to our mental health.
God’s heart breaks with ours and he also will break our hearts for what breaks his so that our compassion and empathy for others is not overshadowed by the evil in this world. I add this to say It’s okay to enjoy listening to things that we enjoy and that are intriguing to our minds. However, don’t over consume it. Step back from it and allow your mind to rest. Sometimes when God feels we are over consumed in things that are not healthy or conducive to our mental health, he will convict us to let it go. Thankfully, he has done this for me numerous times.
Unfortunately, trauma is a mainstay as long as we reside here on Earth. We can’t avoid it or escape it. “BUT GOD is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all we ask or think!”(Ephesians 3:20) HE is our mainstay, our constant no matter what we endure here on earth. That is my hope and joy this side of heaven.
Just so you know, your trauma is NOT your identity! You are NOT what happened to you! You are a new creation in Christ and he loves you and wants to help you heal fully and completely! Are you willing to let him take you on that journey? It won’t be easy, but then again, nothing worth doing is ever easy, is it? Trust him with your brokenness because he will turn it around and bring beauty from those ashes your trauma left in its wake. He is faithful to fulfill his promises to us as his beloved children. He will never abandon or forsake us.
May you be blessed this week as I pray us out: Lord, Heavenly Father, thank you for your goodness, love and compassion when we are hurting and witnessing the pain of others. I pray for my listeners, Lord, that they have a hope in you and that if not, they find the courage to step into a life of faith in you. Lord, I know this was a bit of a heavy episode and I just ask for your comfort, peace, and strength for those suffering from mental health issues due to their trauma. I pray that they find the words and courage to advocate for themselves to get the help they need to heal. Jesus, we know you are the ultimate healer and that you place professionals in our lives that can act as a vessel of your healing power. I ask that those that need help seek it from a faithful follower who acknowledges YOUR healing power and that they may begin their healing journey with you along side them. Your word says,”Let us approach the throne of grace with boldness so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in the proper time.” Lord, let me ask with confidence and boldness at your glorious throne of grace for your help for those who need help, helping themselves mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually! I know your word does not return void and your promises are eternal. Thank you! In Jesus Name, amen.
Thanks for listening! That’s all for now and I hope you’ll join me again in a couple weeks for our next episode, “Surviving vs. Thriving”
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