ANYONE LISTENING?

[live-life]

I just made the decision to leave the Mennonite Church and the anxiety level is high.I have known it for a long time and I am going to face much opposition.But the racing thoughts have got to end.I can't go on and on in this circle.I have to make decisions for myself and my mental health is totally off the line but does anyone from my church listen and get down to my level.?No.But the thing is I don't know HOW to make decisions for myself and stick with them.I really need some thoughts here but not quite sure why I am asking because my racing thoughts are pretty bad.It gets so bad and I am down to only a youth guy who knows what I am facing.But that's cuz he didn't grow up Mennonite either

[Tony042]

A racing mind can be so overwhelming sometimes so what I do is try taking deep breaths until I can lower my heart rate which is usually a start. Other kinds of meditation can also work. When dealing with this, you have to surround yourself with people who can help, or at least won't make things worse. If you want to leave your church and your sure, be firm with the decision and don't let other people's judgment affect your choice.

You said you can't make decisions for yourself, but choosing to make a change like this for the better shows you can. Imagine what you want from life, and figure out how to get there. Much easier said than done, but if you have a view of how you want your life to be, getting there can be more manageable and realistic. Only you know what's best for you.

I'm sure I speak for most people here when I say were here to support you or message individually if you'd like any other help.

[live-life in reply to Tony042]

Thank you.

[cynndrs in reply to Tony042]

I know it is hard to make such a hard decision on your own. Yes and scarey I think. I wish I could be of more help. I do support you taking care of yourself. That is so important.

[Sillysausage234]

Hi you made an important decision already I think ....now you’ve got one less thing to worry about .

[live-life in reply to Sillysausage234]

Right.well it kinda "happened and I don't really have a lot more option

[Dolphin14]

I'm happy to read you will break free from this lifestyle that appears to be causing you great harm.

I'm not sure how you go about it. Please stay safe and listen to your heart and mind. You are being directed in a different direction. Hopefully this will lead you on a path to peace and healing.

Take care of you. No one else can save you but you.

[Tellmeaboutit]

i have a friend who had a terrible time leaving a similar church. It’s hard because participation in these groups can leave you with NO friends who are not from that church.

you might try finding a new church right away. there are many that are welcoming and supportive literally as soon as you walk in the door. They will soon ask you about your situation, and you can explain what you dont like about the mennonites and how hard it is for you to leave. they will probably have lots of good ideas of how to help.

[NorwegianWood]

Some separation from your Mennonite community will give space for you to grow in confidence with your decisions. Do some journalling to help you clarify what you are looking for and why. I'm assuming that you are also in the youth category so this growth towards independence is a developing maturity. In addition, any change brings on a degree of anxiety so don't be hard on yourself. If it's extreme, practise mindfulness, focussing on slow breathing.

If you would appreciate a different tradition, our Australian church Zooms its worship services and we already have someone from Michigan who Zooms in. You are most welcome. We are a 'Uniting Church' (from a Methodist, Congregational, Presbyterian background), down the progressive end of the church spectrum.

[Bigbrighteyes96]

Could you ever go back if you change your mind or is there no turning back?

[live-life]

Thanks for all the great support.I could go back but it definitely would be hard

[utep99]

I left the Catholic Faith and got a lot of blowback about it. There are some who still do not talk to me still. I became a Christian because all I had to do is ask Jesus's forgiveness. I make my decision based on Christian principles. Am I right not always. But that is why we have Jesus as our savior. To forgive the wrong done and then move on. Nobody can tell you what to do as that there is no right answer. So you do your best and have assurance of being with God in Heaven,

[Hidden]

Hello live-life,

Congratulations on thinking for yourself and leaving an abusive church. Unfortunately, your experience is common. This link can tell you more and you can chat with someone who can help: recoveringfromreligion.org/

Stay safe.