Discussion Can you develop religious trauma from non-organized religion?

[whitetaildeer]

Title. I'm personally on the fence, mostly in regards to my own trauma, so I have no opinion to add. My trauma was isolated to one person, so I don't know if this is religious trauma or trauma related to abuse I experienced as a child, but anything relating to this specific religion and its adjacent beliefs does trigger flashbacks or visceral discomfort.

 

[Forever Sleep]

I feel like any belief or opinion that is forced upon us- especially at a young age- whether that be a well recognized idea or an idea unique to them- has the potential to stay with us. If the ideas are harmful in some way- I imagine they can create trauma.

I wouldn't say I was exactly traumatized by family member's religious beliefs but- they have stayed with me. While doubting God's existence even- I still can't shake some of the fears they instilled entirely. Including the idea that suicides go to hell or through purgatory.