Life After Disfellowshipping
If you are struggling, please seek help. You are truly not alone despite what you've been told whilst in.
I have listed below online communities that I myself went to when I decided to fade out. I actually thought fading would be "better" but to be totally honest, the result was the same as if I'd been disfellowshipped. I guess speaking out didn't help ... I still ended up been treated as if I'd been disfellowshipped.
Please see below for online support sites.
Online Communities:
- ExJW Meetup: www.meetup.com – Search for local ex JW meetups to find in-person support in your area. Try different spellings ie; exjw, ex-jw, ex jw ...
- Facebook Groups: Search for "ex jw" for private groups where you can connect with others.
Mental Health Support:
- Recovering from Religion: www.recoveringfromreligion.org – Offers a hotline and online chats for those dealing with religious trauma.
- Faith to Faithless provides advocacy and support for those leaving high-control religions.
Therapy Resources:
- The Secular Therapy Project helps you find therapists who understand religious trauma without imposing religious solutions.
Support Websites:
- JW Facts: www.jwfacts.com – A comprehensive resource to help understand the teachings and practices of JWs critically.
These spaces are filled with compassionate people who understand the unique pain of shunning. No one should have to navigate this journey alone.
Support Resources for Those Struggling with Disfellowshipping and Mental Health
We understand that leaving a high-control group can be emotionally challenging. If you're struggling with disfellowshipping, loneliness, or mental health issues, remember you're not alone. Below is a list of mental health and crisis hotlines in various countries to connect you with immediate support.
Global Resources
- Befrienders Worldwide: Find a local crisis hotline anywhere in the world.
United States
- National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
United Kingdom
- Samaritans: 116 123
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: 0800 689 5652
Australia
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Canada
- Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566
- Hope for Wellness Helpline (Indigenous Support): 1-855-242-3310
New Zealand
- Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543 354
- Need to Talk?: Free call or text 1737
Europe (General)
- Mental Health Europe Directory: Resources for various European countries.
Germany
- TelefonSeelsorge: 0800 111 0 111
France
- SOS Suicide Phénix: 01 40 44 46 45
South Africa
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567
- SADAG Mental Health Line: 0800 21 22 23
India
- Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: 1860 266 2345 or 9999 666 555
Japan
- TELL Lifeline: 03-5774-0992
Mexico
- SAPTEL: 800 472 7835
Brazil
- CVV (Centro de Valorização da Vida): 188