Can religious trauma be real even if nothing 'bad' happened?
Trauma & Grief
Yes, religious trauma can result from psychological and emotional harm, not just physical abuse; fear-based teachings and shame can cause lasting impact.
Religious Psychological trauma doesn't require physical or sexual abuse to be real and valid. Psychological and emotional harm from fearful feelings-based teachings, shameful feelings about natural human experiences, or authoritarian religious environments can cause lasting Psychological trauma. This might include Anxiety disorder about hell, shameful feelings about sexuality, or difficulty making decisions without religious authority. If religious experiences have left you with persistent fear, shame, or difficulty functioning, these are valid concerns that deserve attention and possibly professional help.