I was offended by the letter I read in your Feb. 4 issue referencing a Jan. 7 article on depression.
I have been a pastor for 30 years. I am a Vietnam vet who suffers from the effects of Agent Orange and from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I have been treated for the latter over the past 12 years. It started with depression in 1993 and turned to flashbacks, panic attacks, sweats, etc. Being honest with my church, I received two months off and seven weeks at Salisbury, Va., for help with this “mental condition.” I had never heard of PTSD until 2004, and it was only then that I began to receive appropriate medical and psychological help.
I have been forgiven without a doubt for the mission I was sent on in Vietnam and the lives that were destroyed. I firmly believe I was serving my God and my country. Never once did I think that some 30 years later I would be paying the price, although I try to hide it inside. But one thing I know: It is not coming from unconfessed or unrepentant sins. That was taken care of a long time ago. I live with this every day, and it is very hard to leave at the cross. I say this not for pity – but just walk in my shoes for a while.
I do agree that we over-spiritualize depression, and, in the process, shoot our wounded.
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