facing adversity and fear is a part of being human.  the likelihood that we will experience hardship is certain, since our fallen world has rejected christ and seeks instead all sorts of god-dishonoring habits, viewpoints and behaviors (gen. 3; rom. 1).  christians are subject to the same traumas as nonbelievers, yet we have hope in our savior who will redeem us as his own into eternal life (john 3:16).  post-traumatic growth assumes that we will not only be “back to normal” following traumatic events, but also be even stronger than before.  traumatic life events actually become strengthening events that work to our good and give us maturity, perspective, and sensitivity to grow and encourage others.

• read the operational definition of post-traumatic stress disorder either online (i.e. webmd, apa.org) or in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5^th edition), if you have a copy.

• review the previous assignment on resilience and post-traumatic growth as you consider ptsd.

• prepare to discuss post-traumatic stress disorder, post-traumatic growth and what behavioral characteristics and symptoms are common following traumatic or stressful events.  ensure the following points are addressed:
  • describe ptsd and common symptoms.
  • outline what professions might be more at risk of ptsd because of the nature of one’s profession (i.e. military, first responders/police/fire).
  • give examples of risks experienced by someone in a profession that you have highlighted.  for instance, if firefighters are potentially at risk of ptsd, find an article that supports this understanding and share it with the group in this discussion.