Crisis of faith vs. spiritual cry of distress
Webb, T.E.
International Journal of Emergency Mental Health 6(4): 217-222
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 1522-4821 PMID: 15635903 Document Number: 572768
Traumatic events radiate shock waves that impact the totality of an individual: the physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral and spiritual aspects of a person. Symptoms of distress appear horizontally in relationships with family, friends, and co-workers and vertically in relationship with God. People who have a faith relationship with God will often use religious language to express their anguish and despair regarding a traumatic event. The challenge of any crisis interventionist is to be able to hear accurately the cry of the distressed individual and respond so as to connect with and instill hope in the traumatized individual.