Ex Jehovah’s Witness ?

[Gj1]

Hey guys my first post here😊

To start off with I want to say that I was born and raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and left the faith when I was able to move and support myself. Leaving and coming out to normal society has been pretty tough tho. I just feel like there’s a really distinctive loneliness of being an ex Witness that a lot of people won’t ever understand.

I’m wondering if there are any ex Jehovah’s Witnesses on these forums that have been able to sort of overcome those feelings and find happiness outside the organization.

Could really use some good stories that it does get better because at the moment it feels like I’m seeing the world from behind glass

[Croix]

Dear Sunnygirl1~

Welcome. It's generous of you to offer to share those most horrible experience with  another. To experience domestic violence causes deep injuries (I"m talking mental as well as physical) and to be basically separated from the way of life and people you thought loved you is an added shock and burden.

As a result I appreciate your difficulties in making this offer.

I'm not sure Butterfly22 is still reading the Forum, however others , especially those that  don't post do. Can I suggest you keep an eye on htis thread, you may be able to assist a new person at some time in the future.

Croix

[SunnyGirl1]

Hi,

yes of course, I will check in from time to time. I’d love to be able to support others if I can, as it’s been an extremely traumatic experience as and I imagine speaking with others who understand could be helpful. It can be so isolating and I’d hate for someone else to feel the pain that I have. If anyone reads this, and is in a similar situation, you’re not alone. 

[Andy]

Hi,

I was also born into the church, & left at the first available opportunity; sadly, the damage was well & truly done by then.

Loneliness, complex early childhood trauma, & the associated depression/anxiety/OCD etc tendencies that seem to come as a package deal with it, are all things I'm all too familiar with.

I am currently looking for an ex-Jo Ho support group, as I am struggling more than ever..it doesn't mean u will end up like me, but I am profoundly broken; this (ie. my daily struggle) is for life (for me)

It has affected every area of my existence; most notably has made functional, healthy interpersonal relationships a virtual impossibly.

All this may sound rather pessimistic bcoz, despite have been in counselling for decades, I'm the lowest I've ever been.

The fact that u're a guy & I'm a girl will undoubtedly make a big difference; so please don't lose hope...the fact that I haven't managed to come good doesn't mean u dont have a bright future ahead of u (being born into the church was def NOT the only thing that went "wrong" in my upbringing)

I hope I haven't brought u down with anything I've said; my only intention was to try to maybe lighten ur load by sharing stories.

Please stay safe & be well,

Andy

[Croix]

Dear Andy~

For any gender leaving such an all pervasive religious environment into a larger world has profound long-lasting debilitating effects

I had a much easier time leaving a much larger church (and those that professed love

in it) , and had enough compensation in the way of a partner and job to help me minimize the after-effects

Your problems  are a whole magnitude greater and may seem to be permanent and life long. As an example having the knowledge and restored trust to enter any form of relationship may seem forever out of reach, however it is a two-person problem, not just you. Another may be able to compensate and learn all your needs.

I'm not necessarily talking romance (though not excluding it) but could be anyone at any time.

Having counceling and therapy is one avenue, and for many in different walks of life may bring about improvement, however that is not a universal rule

Sometimes simply life by itself can effect changes. You do not go looking for them as you would with counceling, however they may happen, so please do not write yourself off as permanently 'broken'. I had other things - not related to religion, happen to me and also thought there was no hope for me and I was broken.

I'm a different person now

It sounds  a good idea if you can find a support group wiht similar backgrounds and I'd suggest first off asking our own 24/7 help line if they know of any.

In addition the Black-dog Institue has a short list of specialized groups that you probably do not need, however though them you may find one dedicated to recovery from JW, you never know.

In the meantime I"m sure you will face many situations where you feel your upbringing, moral bad otherwise does not fit, and if you wanted to keep in touch that would be great.

Croix