PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is caused from an encounter with a frightening event either to oneself or as an observer. Flashbacks and anxiety, often uncontrollable, are frequently the result. Temporary coping and adjustment challenges post a traumatic event are normal. However, prolonged symptoms lasting
months or years that intervene with normal day to day activity are signs of PSTD (American Psychiatric Association, 2020). Roughly one in eleven people at some point in their life will receive a PSTD diagnosis. Women have twice the chance as
men of developing the condition (Brain and Behavior Foundation, 2020). Although symptoms vary from person to person, there are four identified types of PSTD symptoms: Avoidance, intrusive memories, detrimental mood changes, and reaction changes in physical and emotional responses. Depression is a frequent reaction derived from PSTD. These may be accompanied by low self-esteem, feeling of hopelessness, social anxiety and challenges, negative thoughts, emotional and numbness (Mayo Clinic, 2020).
PTSD is common among war veterans. Those vets that were proven to have a stronger ability to control attention and redirect thoughts, were proven to be able to handle traumatic experiences more successfully. Additionally, with depression and
anxiety, PSTD is shown to exacerbate conditions that were possible already there. As a result, treatment may need to run deeper than just the traumatic incident itself (American Psychiatric Association, 2020).
Mindlessness and Mindfulness
Mindlessness is a meditation style exercised that has proven a successful aid in training the mind to redirect itself. One thought is concentrated upon for a length of time (1 minute to 10 minutes). Each time the mind begins to wander, the subject is to pull their thoughts back to the one thought. This is a muscle that gives the brain the ability to maintain focus on the task at hand, and redirect thoughts that may cause negative thoughts (Psychology Iresearch.net, 2020).
Mindfulness is the action of noticing new things around. It helps to form new memories and mind associations with places and actions. Making a mental list of items in a surrounding that one may not have noticed prior, helps change prospective
and mental associations (Psychology Iresearch.net, 2020).
Ministering to Someone in Bereavement
Loss is the feeling of grief caused by the deprivation of someone or something of value. It symbolizes the end of a chapter in your life. Usually, the ending was not one’s choosing and and can bring an abundance of feelings and straddles along with it. It also represents change and a transition into an unknown situation. Change is a challenge for most, and the four general reactions to such are denial, resistance, commitment and exploration.
During the denial stage there is a disbelief of the situation and an attempt to avoid dealing with it. Resistance is when a person becomes angry, overwhelmed, or depressed. The commitment stage brings confidence in one’s control and the ability to move forward and receive the change, and in the exploration stage people begin to look forward and accept the future (Zaidi, A,
2009).
One’s role in ministry is to be available to listen, provide support and guidance. Granting reassurance of God’s presence and one’s ability to move forward is instrumental. In dealing with a person facing death themselves, conflict resolution, and family interaction are an important way to help. Also, aiding the dying person by providing comfort in the reassurance of the well-being of their
loved ones after their passing provides much peace (Virginia T. LeBaron, V.T,Smith, P.T., Quiñones, R., Nibecker, C., Sanders, J.J., Timms, R., Shields, A.E., Balboni, T.A., & Balboni, M.J., 2016).
For all stages of change, journaling and recounting fond memories can help turn focus on the positive of the past and increase strength to move forward. Hope for the future is a result. Scripture and reassurance of God’s presence and plan can help all of us through any challenge.
Social Media Resources
Social media has dramatically changed the manner in which many things are accomplished. People have become more efficient, more knowledgeable. It has expanded resources from distant locations, built support and work communities, and allowed for a multitude of services online. This progression has allowed people to build solidarity by connecting to others with alike interests and
challenges.
Connecting Clients to Community Resources
Online resources are a great way to connect client to services available in the community. Community-based available services should be easily accessible for families and individuals as well as the providers directing them to such. The mental health professional should be familiar with the programs, the criteria for service attainment, location of services as well as available means to get there, cost, and procedures in enrollment in the services (Center for Early Childhood and Mental Health Consultation, n.d.).
Benefits and Risks of Client Referral to Community Resources
Benefits
There is a significant amount of expansion in the fields of influence. This contributes to those feeling an important sense of belonging and support. Additionally, there is the ability to connect with people with similarities to build a support community (Memours Children’s Health System, n.d.). Additionally, a social media resource allows immediate and easy contact. It also helps to keep up on the latest trends and programs. People with mental illnesses are frequently amongst the highest users of social-media due to the sense of belonging it is often able to create. Additionally, the higher levels of social support lead to a greater use of medical services (Maulik, P. K., Eaton, W. W., & Bradshaw, C. P., 2009). Many other community resources are available as well which are very often the next step for clients.
Disadvantages
There is not face to-face connection made with patients. So, the possibility exists of a lower connection level. Additionally, social groups, although having many positive side-effects, can also offer non-professional advice to people that is misleading and inaccurate (Ridout, B., & Campbell, A., 2018). More social support is affiliated with fewer specialty mental health services (Maulik, P.K., et. al.). This could be a positive factor too, as long as it is not keeping them from medications, etc., that may be necessary. Risk Factors Relation to Community Resource Referrals. Verification of the use of referred services is helpful (Memours Children’s Health
System, n.d.).
Conclusion
Although social media is often criticized for adding stress to life and decreasing people’s strength in face-to-face socialization and interaction, it has played a positive role in the increase of those reaching out for help. Additionally, social groups and a sense of support and belonging has dramatically increased.