Izz,
Good subject.
When I became a JW I started on a downward journey into emotional hell. It was interrupted only by a couple of brief periods of happiness when my children were babies. The depression, anxiety, anger, moodswings and physical symptoms worsened over the years until I had what I call a nervous breakdown. I was unable to leave the house or do much else but sleep. I couldn't cook or clean or even shop for groceries. I would be in the middle of the grocery store and not be able to think or concentrate and have to leave, feeling overwhelmed.
I remember thinking that Jesus said to take his yoke because it was light and the load the witnesses were putting on my little family was anything but light.
Now I am slowly recovering. I have a much calmer temper. I am happier. I cope better, though I am not yet fully recovered in that area.
Izz, I think the JWs wanted us to be uniform and not have individuality. I didn't like that at all. It made me very unhappy.
LadyLee, I am going to copy your post and read it again. There is so much truth in what you said.
I am closer to being normal and sane than I have ever been.
Heather S. #2