Published March 22, 2022 from https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/my-story/
(*Trigger Warning - Topics of depression, trauma, abuse and suicidal ideation)
Hello, my name is Andrew Pledger, and this is my story of religious trauma. My story is long and complex which is why I’ve beenworking on a book. This entry will leave out many details and cover the general overview of my experiences, and help people understand how I got here.
\"Religious trauma is similar in symptoms to Complex-PTSD. Symptoms of RT
Negative beliefs about others
Low self-esteem
Struggle with emotional regulation
Depression, anxiety, grief, and anger
Nightmares
Disassociation, flashbacks
Lack of pleasure
Feeling isolated
Feeling empty, lost, or directionless
Reduced critical thinking
Feeling out of place or like you don’t belong
According to Restoration Counseling, Religious Trauma Syndrome is often caused for several reasons by different people. Many people experience RTS as a result of an authoritarian religion or faith community. Individuals suffering from RTS may be struggling with black-and-white thinking, irrational beliefs, difficulty trusting themselves, low self-esteem, or feeling indebted to a group of people. Skewed views of sex, discipline, emotional regulation, relationships, and self-expression are usually present in toxic religious environments\" (Source: Restoration Counseling).
- Andrew Pledger
(Excerpt taken from https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/my-story/)