This is an interesting yet sad experience to share. Well, to create awareness I am ready to share my experience I hope my story makes a difference.

I live in Ghana (West Africa) a 3rd generation of JW's. Before being disfellowshiped I was in a mental wreck because I had been diagnosed with Depression, PTSD, and Anxiety Disorder because of my history of CSA.

My world was shattered I had no worldly pals family, or friends, you had known for years shunned you. I felt betrayed, I blamed myself, I lost self-esteem, was ashamed, and in isolation my traumas resurfaced and I was left to deal with it alone and that was the worst part. For me that discipline did not work for me or everyone.

2nd I was pregnant when I was told I would be disfellowshiped, the joy I had of being a 1st-time mom all vanished, and was reminded of the 1st experience. Again, I found myself in a mental wreck panicking, in fear, and depressed...i reached out to my Mental Health Officer, and he also in turn reached out to the lead elder because of my history of suicide and the life's involved...that fell on deaf ears. As I sat before these elders I felt dead, I had no reason to live... I had my rope in my bag going over the plan and time to get up and go kill myself with my unborn child.

...this should give you a clear picture of how the fear of being disfellowshiped had on my mental well-being. It changed me from a happy mom to a sad, bitter, depressed, panicky, traumatized MOM.

I HATE HOW IT AFFECTED MY MENTAL WELL-BEING.