by The Berean 33 Replies latest jw friends
You're right Tex. I'm not very good w/empathy, but it does seem to me that I'm good at being annoying and condescending. I can't deny it because if I'm getting that from a lot of people who don't know me, it must be me.
I apologize. I get lost in the analysis of questions and forget that there's a person on the other end.
i do not think anyone here meant anything but help..............sometimes it is hard to express or hard to accept.....as flip would say.......peaceout........oompa
btw berean.......i was on six meds at one time.....can hardly belive it....they called it the california cocktail.......i am down to one........and no.......it is not working well since i drink too much..........
I'm really not good with people unless I can see and hear them. Words on a screen just look like a puzzle to be solved.
Again, I'm sorry to have annoyed you Berean.
Everyone recommends books, but one that I found useful was
http://www.amazon.com/Mahoney-Self-Change-Strategies-Personal-Problems/dp/0393000672
I've read quite a bit over the years and of all the books which gave any practical advice, this one was the most accessible and practical.
Gubberning, if I may jump in here and say so, that struck me as a very loving and gracious apology. It is not easy to apologize, (I happen to think it is particularly difficult for JW's and exJW's to do so, as we were taught that we were ALWAYS RIGHT!) Well done, and it is appreciated, at least by me.
Berean, I don't know the answer to your question, because I am asking the same one myself. I started a thread about giving the Hassan book to my counselor as a gift... but I think I really might move on and not invest any more time there. I am befuddled.
i think they are starting to. I hope to write an opinion paper regarding this.
I appreciate it, Baba, but I really need to do better. This internet thing doesn't help when you have ADD and can't keep your mouth shut anyway.
B, I found a couple of searches you might find useful...
Thing is.....most people see the JW's as just another religion. It's NOT just another religion. Your local Baptist Church doesn't DEMAND that you attend meetings, sell books. Most religions don't keep you on a treadmill. A cult does.
Most people I know IRL who don't attend church anymore but attended as a child have no ill effects from it. Dubs are waaay different. It affects every thought you have from the time you are in until you leave and the thoughts for many years after you leave for many people.
No, I doubt many therapists would understand that.
gubberning body, the first one had to with with american indians and the second isnt working for me...
mraimondi... try copying and pasting into IE...
Without question the upheaval in my life caused by shunning sent me over the edge. At 19 years old, I found living at home unbearable and kingdom halls even worse. I didn't know where to turn. I was too depressed and disturbed to work at this point. I can remember sleeping in my airtight Lincoln and being unable to think and feeling numb. I'm sure this was PTSD cuz I never experienced this before. This was the beginning of my downward spiral.
It wasn't till years later that a social worker asked why I don't work and as soon as I mentioned the witnesses and my family, to my suprize, she really seemed to understand what I was talking about. She sent me to a good shrink but I found it too intense and it was endless sessions of vile bitching. Still though, the help was there and still is.
I prefer however to have no contact with humanity, and use this board as my electronic shrink. I can vent and acess the endless files of JWD. Much to my chagrin, as good as the board is in healing, I have never really met anyone yet who has had my particular experience. It's too much man everyone has a different story of course and at least this board gives me comfort from knowing their are others who have been hurt too. I suppose a witness shrink would be ideal but there is no way they can match the depth and width of the forum archives.
