feeling lousy (page 2)

From one newbie (in a different place) to another...welcome...the people on here hunny are lovely...take your time to think and feel ...its a wonderful world outside that KH honestly...and you will fit in just fine xxxx

Loz x

OnTheWayOut

Welco me Poor Places.

I was a bit depressed/confused at one point and didn't see a way out that ended well. Many have been there.
You will be able to leave despite the family problem. It's still a huge thing and the outcome is unclear but it can be done.
Some have chanced losing family for their own peace of mind, some have managed to keep their disagreements with the religion quiet or even silent to retain some family contact, some have done burned the bridges and started fresh. You have many choices ahead of you, but they won't be impossible ones to make. When you are ready, you can make them.

You can have friends outside of the Witnesses regardless of how you proceed, then you don't have to watch your back. Most people do lose their JW friends when they go inactive or leave the Witnesses. But you never know if you might even retain a friend or two. Just don't expect JW friends to remain friends. If they leave you, they weren't really your friends anyway.

Getting married- don't worry about it at this point. People get married at later and later ages these days. Like most people, if finding someone to date is important to you, it'll come eventually (and I don't mean years). I am a recovering alcoholic, and I don't subscribe to every last thing that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has to say, but I do agree that in the beginning of getting sober, sex and relationships should be put on hold for a bit. I am sure that getting over the JW's, the same could be generally a good idea. But worry about that next week or next month or maybe a bit later.

awildflower

Welcome, hang in there, I promise life will get better for you. I like what BabaYaga said. The first step is being able to talk about it. You'll start to feel a little better now that we know you are here and people can begin to communicate with you. You are not going to loose your mind, quite the opposite, it's just opening up.

cantleave

Welcome

You may feel that using this board to vent will help. most of us have been in a situation similar to yours and we understand.

Mickey mouse

I remember the anxiety well. I felt as though my head was going to explode at times when I first woke up.

Give yourself time and use this place as a sounding board. I also found counselling useful.

Welcome.

x

EmptyInside

Hi poor places, I could have written your post myself. You're not alone in the way you feel. You have to take one day at a time and go at your own pace. You'll have good days and bad. But, I learned a lot from this board and found much support. So, hang in there, it will get better.

rebel8

Lots of us have been in your shoes. IMO it's a natural response to leaving the org.

It does get better.

I highly recommend this book: The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook

Also here's another that might be of use.

happy1975

Hi Poor Places!

Don't get downhearted! Take this one step at a time and I guarantee things will fall into place. It's sort of mind blowing to uncover that the truth is actually the lie, but better to realize it now then after you've devoted any more of your life to them!

Happy

Heaven

Welcome to JWN, poor places! Anxiety is a tough one. I've struggled with it off and on throughout my life. One thing that helped me was to stop drinking coffee. I love coffee but it would trigger anxiety attacks because it is a stimulant so I stopped drinking it. I went to green tea and herbal teas. I've read white tea is also excellent for you and still has some caffeine so you won't suffer the withdrawal headache.

I think being a JW and all the negativity lumped on you is a big part of the problem. Take things slowly... breathe... try to be good to yourself. Do things that lift your spirits.

About your 'giving up' idea... I like to think that if I'm still breathing, then anything is possible. If you truly want something, go for it. The only real bad thing that can happen is that it might not happen. But if you don't try, it will surely never happen.

Regarding friendship, have you thought about joining a group or taking a course that you are interested in? What things do you enjoy doing?

feeling lousy

african GB Member

Lozhasleft