First off, What is Religious Trauma?
Religious Trauma is defined as " A group of symptoms that arise in response to traumatic or stressful religious experiences...These symptoms can include PTSD symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, dissociation, and emotional difficulties." [1]
There are many ways in which Religious trauma can manifest itself
1) Delayed development socially, emotionally, and sexually:
- Heavy restrictions of certain social activities and media containing magic/
LGBTQ imagery.
-Feeling that you're not able to openly ask questions or express personal identity. (I.E Purity culture telling you to remain "pure" and "clean" for God.)
- Gender roles are heavily enforced to an unfair extent [2]
2) Development of mental disorders such as Anxiety and Depression:
-Isolation from peer group or being cut off from your desires to expression can lead
to depression.
-Not being able to uphold a standard that is expected from you can cause high levels of anxiety as well. [2]
3) Lack of confidence and low self esteem
-Second guessing whether or not God would want you to do or say something may inhibit your confidence in everyday life. [2]
4) Feelings of guilt or shame:
- Feeling guilty you have desires and "sinful" thoughts you cannot control which later brings shame about your "lack of control" over yourself. [2]
5) You could be born in a Religious household; from the time you were born religion has been ingrained into your everyday life.
-Introduction to heavy restrictions early on in life can affect mental and social developmental stages later on as you grow up. This can cause you to feel disconnected from yourself and your peers. [2]
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