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Recovering from Seventh-day Adventism

Leaving the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church can be a profound and multifaceted journey.

For many, it's not just about stepping away from a religious institution but also about disentangling from deeply ingrained beliefs, community ties, and personal identities that have been shaped over years.

Our trauma recovery coach Kyla Thorne grew up in a strict Seventh-day Adventist home and now supports others leaving the church. You may also find our pages on religious anxiety and religious shame helpful.

Understanding the Impact

The SDA Church, like many high-demand religious groups, offers a comprehensive worldview that influences every aspect of life—from dietary choices and educational paths to social interactions and personal values. Departing from such an environment can lead to feelings of confusion, guilt, anxiety, and isolation. You might find yourself questioning long-held beliefs, grappling with fears instilled by teachings about end times or divine judgment, and mourning the loss of community and identity.(Seventh-day Adventist Church)
It's essential to recognize that these reactions are valid and common among those who have left high-control religious settings. The process of deconstruction—critically examining and often dismantling one's belief system—is a significant step toward healing and self-discovery.
Two children stand on a hillside overlooking a vast valley with forests and fields

Steps Toward Healing

Recognize that your feelings are legitimate. Leaving a faith community can be akin to grieving a loss.

Connecting with others who have undergone similar experiences can provide comfort and understanding.

Learning about religious trauma and its effects can offer insights into your experiences and validate your feelings.

Working with a therapist, especially one familiar with religious trauma, can be instrumental in processing your journey and developing coping strategies.

Explore interests, values, and beliefs outside the framework of your former religious context to establish a sense of self that resonates with your authentic identity.(Adventist News Network)

Resources for Support

Here are some resources that can assist you on your path to recovery:

Podcasts

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Haystacks & Hell

Overview: A podcast that shares stories about growing up Seventh-day Adventist, leaving the faith, and building new, fulfilling lives.

Content Highlights: Episodes delve into topics like purity culture, family dynamics, and personal deconstruction journeys.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Watch on YouTube: Haystacks & Hell Channel

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Former Adventist Podcast

Hosts: Colleen Tinker and Nikki Stevenson

Overview: This podcast discusses life after Adventism, exploring doctrinal issues and personal experiences of leaving the church.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Watch on YouTube: Former Adventist Playlist

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Better Than We Thought

Hosts: Ian and Hannah Reyes

Overview: A podcast focusing on how understanding the gospel led the hosts to leave Adventism and find a more fulfilling spiritual life.

Content Highlights: Episodes cover topics like identity, marriage, parenting, and trauma recovery.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio

Watch on YouTube: Better Than We Thought - Episode 1

Other

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r/exAdventist on Reddit

An online community where former Adventists share experiences, offer support, and discuss their journeys.
Learn More

You don’t have to let fear or pain define who you are.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward healing.
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