What is Religious Trauma Syndrome? Signs You Might Be Experiencing It

This article answers the question: What is Religious Trauma Syndrome, and how do I know if I'm experiencing it? 

Synopsis

Building on the foundation of last week's introduction to religious trauma, this article provides a comprehensive exploration of Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) as defined by psychologist Dr. Marlene Winell. It outlines the specific symptoms across cognitive, emotional, social, and cultural dimensions, explains the root causes of RTS, and offers guidance on distinguishing religious trauma from other mental health conditions. The article includes self-assessment questions to help readers identify their own experiences and emphasizes when professional help becomes essential. 

Last week, we began describing the difficult process of leaving religion. We referenced emotional damage that can occur. Today, we're getting more specific about a special condition that exists in thousands of people who have left strict or controlling religious groups. If you've been feeling worried, confused, or as though something is terribly wrong even after you've left your religion, you could be experiencing Religious Trauma Syndrome. Understanding this condition can be a turning point in your healing. 

When you're able to identify what you're experiencing, you claim it. You know that you're not broken, insane, or spiritually bankrupt. You're recovering from a very real type of wound. And you're not alone. 

Learning Religious Trauma Syndrome 

Psychologist Dr. Marlene Winell popularized the term "Religious Trauma Syndrome" in 2011 to describe a specific set of symptoms [1]. These symptoms manifest in those who are leaving strict, controlling faiths. RTS isn't yet a DSM-5 diagnosis, but it identifies an incredibly genuine pattern of distress. Dr. Winell refers to it as similar to both PTSD and Complex PTSD [1]. This is what is typical of both the long-term abuse of abusive religious systems as well as the shock of leaving behind your religion. 

Religious Trauma Syndrome arises because you've been taught to believe in a controlling system. It's one that employs fear, guilt, and shame as tools. The trauma itself is twofold. First, there's ongoing damage while you were still a member of the religion. Then, there's the disorienting process of leaving behind everything that you had previously believed. And it's this reason that healing will often feel so hard. You're not only healing from what was done to you. You're also grieving over the loss of a world view that had organized your life. 

How RTS is Different from General Religious Doubt 

Not everyone who leaves religion gets Religious Trauma Syndrome. Some people just grow out of their faith. They come to understand that religion is no longer in keeping with their values anymore. This can be difficult, but usually isn't symptom-producing to the degree. The greatest difference lies in the type of religious environment you left. 

RTS typically develops in those who were members of high-control groups. These environments share some definite characteristics. They are highly controlled in terms of behavior and belief. They punish doubting or questioning. They use threat-based theories of hell or judgment. They isolate members from the rest of society. 

If you grew up upon observing your behavior and thoughts constantly, you're at higher risk. If you were made to feel ashamed of natural human desires, you're at risk. If you were threatened to be punished forever for not obeying, you're at risk for RTS. 

General religious doubt might involve some confusion or sadness. But it rarely involves the intense fear, shame, and mental difficulties of Religious Trauma Syndrome. Compare the analogy. Leaving a healthy religious community would be the same as moving to a new town. Leaving a high-control religion is like being freed from prison. 

The Symptoms of Religious Trauma Syndrome

 Religious Trauma Syndrome can be expressed in four major areas of your life [1]. They are cognitive (thoughts), emotional (emotions), social (relationships), and cultural (belonging). Understanding these areas can help you identify what parts of your experience are directly related to religious trauma. 

Cognitive Symptoms: How RTS Affects Your Thinking  

 One of the worst things about Religious Trauma Syndrome is how it messes with your head. You might not know what you believe. You might struggle to make everyday decisions. Most people with RTS report having difficulty thinking critically. This is because they were taught questioning was wrong or dangerous. 

Black-and-white thinking is also extremely common. Even after you've left your faith, you might categorize everything as all good or all bad. No middle ground. This pattern of black-and-white was likely pounded into you during your experience of faith. There's often perfectionism that goes along with this. You set too high standards for yourself. You experience crushing guilt when you mess up. You may also have negative thoughts about your own abilities and worth. You have internalized messages that you are essentially bad or evil. These perceptions are hard to shake, even when you know they're not true. 

Emotional Symptoms: The Feelings That Won't Go Away

 The emotional price of Religious Trauma Syndrome can be strong. Depression is extremely common. It typically comes from losing your entire belief system and community. You might truly miss the time you "lost" to religion. You might grieve over lost relationships or damaged ones. 

Anxiety usually goes with RTS. This is particularly true for fear of hell, God punishing you, or doing the "wrong" thing. There is a sense of loneliness and isolation. You could feel as though no one knows what has occurred to you. This is particularly true if your friends and family members continue to be religious. 

Anger is a valid reaction as well. You might be angry at the religious establishment that did something to hurt you. You might be angry at yourself for having stayed so long. You might even be angry at a God you no longer believe in. Some people can't feel pleasure or joy. This is because they were conditioned that worldly pleasures were bad. Or that they were not deserving of joy. 

Social Symptoms: Rebuilding Relationships and Identity 

Religious Trauma Syndrome typically devastates your social life. The first thing that occurs is, you lose your social network. If all your social life was tied up in your church, leaving is akin to losing friends and support systems. More often than not, you even lose family relationships. This can be horrible. You're suddenly all alone. 

You can also feel social shame. Simple social interactions become confusing. This is when you have not been accustomed to "normal" social norms outside of religious contexts. Sexual concerns are common as well. This is particularly true if you grew up in a purity culture. That culture instilled shame regarding sexuality.  Most people with RTS are "behind schedule" in life skills. You're learning things in your 30s or 40s that everyone else is picking up in their teens. Independent decision-making, for example. Or figuring out who you are. It can be humbling, but it's a normal aspect of healing. 

Cultural Symptoms: Feeling Like a Fish Out of Water 

The cultural aspect of Religious Trauma Syndrome is feeling like a stranger in the secular world. You might have large gaps in your knowledge. Your religious education may have censored or modified facts regarding science, history, art, or popular culture. Studying evolution might be intimidating. Appreciating modern art might be confusing. Even knowing common cultural references might be difficult. 

This "fish out of water" feeling goes beyond a void of knowledge. You can feel like you don't fit anywhere. You no longer belong in the religious community. But you don't quite belong in the secular community, either. This is quite bewildering. It adds to isolation and identity confusion. 

Do You Have Religious Trauma Syndrome? Questions to Ask Yourself 

About Your Religious History: 

• Were you raised in a fundamentalist or controlling religious group? 

• Did your faith use fear of hell or punishment to control behavior? 

• Were you taught that questioning or doubt was sinful? 

• Did your religious group isolate you from the secular world? 

About Your Life Now: 

• Do you feel overwhelming fear or anxiety, even about things you no longer believe? 

• Do you struggle to trust your own judgment or make choices? 

• Do you feel persistent guilt or shame that seems out of proportion to the event? 

• Did you lose all or most of your peers when you left religion? 

• Do you feel confusion about your identity, values, or purpose in life? 

• Do you have flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories about religious dogma? 

If you answered yes to several of the above, you are possibly suffering from Religious Trauma Syndrome. It does not mean that you're broken. It does not mean that you'll never heal. It means that you've undergone something really traumatic. You are worthy of love and support as you heal. 

When to Seek Professional Help

 Learning that you might have Religious Trauma Syndrome is step one. But recovery often requires professional assistance. You might consider seeing a therapist who does religious trauma therapy if you're experiencing one or more of the following: 

Symptoms that interfere with your daily life. These are severe anxiety, depression, or difficulty functioning in work or relationships. Suicidal ideation or wanting to hurt yourself requires immediate help. Drinking or drugging as a way of dealing with hurt feelings. Difficulty maintaining or forming healthy relationships. Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts that are bothersome. 

Even if your symptoms aren't this severe, therapy can be beneficial. A therapist who has expertise in religious trauma can help you work through what happened to you. They can help you challenge unhealthy thinking patterns. They can teach you coping skills. They can help you regain a sense of self. The right therapist will never judge you for your religious background. They won't force you to return to religion. Instead, they'll provide you with a safe space. You can analyze your experiences and emotions at your own ease. 

You're Not Alone in This  

 If you identify with these symptoms, know that you're not alone. Thousands of people are walking this same road. They're recovering from the harm of abusive religion. Religious Trauma Syndrome is a legitimate diagnosis with legitimate symptoms. It must be addressed seriously. 

Your pain is real. Your confusion is legitimate. And your healing is possible. 

Next week, we'll address possibly the hardest part of leaving religion. We'll talk about losing community and being unable to make new friends. In the meantime, be gentle with yourself. Healing from religious trauma is a process that does not happen overnight. But with the right support and tools, you can build a real, meaningful, independent life. 

If you're suffering from the symptoms of Religious Trauma Syndrome and need professional help, I'm here for you. I'm a therapist with specialized knowledge in faith deconstruction and recovery from religious trauma. I provide a confidential, non-judgmental space. You can work through your experience and begin to heal. Call today to make an appointment. Your journey to freedom and wholeness starts today. 

References 

[1] Winell, M. (2011). Religious Trauma Syndrome. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Today, Vol. 39, Issues 2-4. British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies. https://www.journeyfree.org/rts/

Meta Description: Wondering if you have Religious Trauma Syndrome? Learn the signs and symptoms of RTS, how it differs from PTSD, and when to seek help. Includes self-assessment questions and expert guidance on religious trauma recovery.