Religious trauma isn’t a formal diagnosis. Instead, it’s a broad and informal term that can refer to both traumas from a religious institution and trauma within the faith community itself.
Such symptoms can include:
-Negative beliefs about self-esteem and self-worth
-Pervasive depression and anxiety
-Loneliness
-Loss of meaning or pleasure in most activities
-Struggles with a social support system and strained family dynamics
-Feeling ‘behind’ on developmental tasks
-A pervasive sense of social awkwardness
-Feeling a lost or missing sense of purpose
Undoubtedly, religion can be a sensitive subject. You may feel ashamed to talk about how you feel. You may blame yourself for not doing something right. Know that these are normal reactions. However, these reactions can lead to unnecessary and extreme suffering- which only perpetuates a cycle of fear, shame, and disappointment.
As therapists, Willow Counseling feels honored to sit and explore the subject of religious trauma with you. Whether you’ve been struggling recently or for many years, we can work together to restore your faith in humanity and hope in life.
