Leaving a high-control religion can feel like stepping off the edge of a cliff. The isolation, the loss of community, the whispers (or outright shunning) from those you once called family—it’s enough to make you question everything. And in the midst of it all, when your body is finally processing years of suppressed anxiety and depression, it’s easy to fall into old fears: Am I being punished? Is this the enemy attacking me? 

In our season finale of The Dark Side of Devotion, we unpack the deep loneliness and confusion that can follow religious deconstruction, the emotional and physical toll of shedding years of indoctrination, and how to navigate the dark nights of the soul without falling into shame or fear. We also explore the spiritual journeys that can follow—whether that means rediscovering faith on your own terms, or something entirely different.

This episode is for anyone who has felt abandoned after leaving, struggled with self-doubt, or needed reassurance that healing is not a straight line.

⚠ Disclaimer: This discussion is based on personal experiences and is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you're struggling, please reach out to a qualified therapist or counselor.

If this episode resonates with you, let us know in the comments or share it with someone who needs to hear it. And though this is our season finale, we’re not going anywhere! Follow us for more content as we continue to expose religious abuse, share survivor stories, and help each other heal.❤️‍🩹

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