Counseling Resources
Answers for "religion-induced" Depression and Anxiety

 

DISCLAIMER: The following information should be considered for informational or illustrative purposes only. It should in no way be construed as medical, nursing, therapeutic or any other such professional advice that is regulated by federal/state/local agencies. At this time, we are unable to endorse or recommend a specific treatments, therapies, or procedures. Please consult with a physician for medical advice, call 9-1-1 for any and all medical emergencies (including suicide), or use the suicide hotline.

 

Defining the Problem: Depression & Anxiety

For many people leaving Pentecostal and Charismatic congregations, there is simply too much inner conflict to be dealt with alone. For some, their lives are still marked with self-condemnation, self-loathing, poor self-esteem -- these problems often manifesting themselves as depression, anxiety disorders, or other mental health issues. Some of these can be very detrimental if left untreated -- depression and bipolar disorder both have high rates of suicide.

If you have left such a faith that was emotionally manipulative or spiritual abusive, and you are now exhibiting signs of depression or anxiety -- or other symptoms -- please seek help now! You are not crazy -- these problems require professional support -- many of them cannot be overcome alone!

If you have or are now considering suicide,
STOP NOW AND CALL

1-800-SUICIDE ~ or ~
9-1-1

( 1-800-784-2433 )

Or check these phone numbers for other SUICIDE hotline numbers
Or these SUICIDE HOTLINE numbers for TEENS and ADOLESCENTS

 

Depression

Depression is probably the most common ordeal that many people experience when leaving these faiths and churches. Symptoms include: persistent sadness or unhappiness, lethargy, loss of interest, irritability, appetite changes, sleep pattern disruption, physical discomfort, loss of concentration, suicide contemplation. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't view these problems as treatable -- but as a personal weakness or character flaw. Depression is a real medical problem, and it can be treated!

(check out the below off-site resources for further information on depression)

http://www.healthandage.com depression
http://www.symptoms-of-depression.com/index.php3
http://www.medicinenet.com/Depression/article.htm
http://www.learn-about-depression.com/index.php3
 

Anxiety

There are various anxiety disorders. The different ranges of anxiety disorders include: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Panic disorder, Phobias, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Obsessive personality disorder (OPD), Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Separation anxiety disorder. Anxiety is a real medical problem, and it can be treated!

(check out the below off-site resources for further information on anxiety)

http://www.healthandage.com/anxiety
http://www.medicinenet.com/mental_health/focus.htm

Depersonalization Disorder

When someone feels as if they are living in a dream and seems as though they are watching their actions from the outside as an observer.

(check out the below off-site resources for further information on depersonalization disorder)

http://www.dpselfhelp.com/
http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx47.htm
http://www.depersonalization.info/main.html