I left a religious cult.

[squirrellygirly]

I was raised in a religious cult that didn't allow me to wear pants, go to movies, hang with classmates, wear makeup, read books like Harry Potterr...and the list goes on. I left my freshmen year of college but I still suffer from PTSD. I don't go to church because of this and I have anxiety and anger. I want to be free and happy but I don't know how.

[fauxartist]

You can be free and happy from now on....this is a good place to share, a lot of kind and compassion people.....

[b1b1b1]

Consider therapy. If you are in the US, I believe there are some types of support groups and individuals who have been through what you describe, and offer counseling and help free of charge. Also, colleges have mental health counseling.

[squirrellygirly in reply to b1b1b1]

Thanks I am searching for free help now.

[hypercat54]

Hi I think the way to go is to seek medical help if you haven't already. You can't be raised like this then just get over it you know as it doesn't work that way. It took a long time for you to be indoctrinated like this so it will take time before you will be able to move on with your life. It will happen one day though. x

[Maskoff]

You are incredibly strong! I couldn't imagine what you've been thru.

[Hidden]

I would agree with the others that I would seek help from a professional to get over this. I’m so sorry that you’re going through this. You’re very strong & I am so proud of you for becoming free! Stay strong xo

[squirrellygirly in reply to Hidden]

Thank you my mom still goes to the church but I am so happy I stopped going.

[LaPetiteGen]

Bravo for taking this first step towards freedom! It is never easy to walk a new path especially one that feels lonely & distances you from what you've known your whole life. Fear, anger and anxiety are all normal feelings, but shouldn't be allowed to go unchecked to take over your life! If you continue to struggle, I would encourage you to think about counseling- giving you a chance to vent your anger in a safe place & learn ways to cope and make good decisions for your future. Who knows, maybe one day you can explore new churches that offer healthy positive avenues for a relationship with God. They do exist and teach relationship over religion. Believing the best for your future!

[IChoose]

You absolutely need trauma therapy from a trauma specialist. Many shrinks don't understand trauma. I had a therapist who used psychodynamic with a therapy dog and I can't tell you - I made more progress in one session than I had in a lifetime.

If your trauma occurred in childhood you likely have cptsd - complex ptsd that can include splitting, fragmenting and dissociating. That's why you need a trauma specialist to help you unravel it all. I know during therapy I came to love myself and was quite amazed at the wonder that the mind is.

I hope it doesn't frighten you to be told, "God bless you!" God never traumatizes. God heals because God is Love.

[babygirl1952]

Hello Dear Just Take One Day at a time and relax there is mo hurry do what makes you happy we mot here to judge you. we would like to help you in any way we can when your ready take care