Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago
#exjw #JehovahWitness #exjwcriticalthinker #JehovahsWitness #ExJW #MentalHealthAwareness #ReligiousTrauma #Deconstruction #ExElder #SpiritualAbuse
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in this powerful episode, we revisit the story of Tony — a former elder and third-generation Jehovah’s Witness — as he opens up about the emotional and psychological impact of growing up in the organization.
Tony shares how guilt, fear, and pressure to “perform spiritually” affected his mental health over time — and why so many others may be suffering in silence today.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or like your struggles were dismissed as “spiritual weakness,” this conversation is for you.
👇 If you're struggling or know someone who is:
📞 Call or text 988 (U.S.)
🌐 Global resources: findahelpline.com
🔔 Subscribe for more interviews and resources for those leaving high-control religions.
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — your story matters.
Join us behind the scenes on Patreon - patreon.com/exjwcriticalthinker
Check out our videos on why we left the Why We Left the Jehovah's Witnesses
youtu.be/rqYUCV4FHI4
youtu.be/bLaSB9P2MEE
Visit us on the Web at exjwcriticalthinker.com
SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube bit.ly/2p9RTSC
Subscribe to Our Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ex-jehovahs-witnesses-critical-thinkers-critical-thought/id967813520
Follow us on:
Twitter twitter.com/ExJWsThink
Instagram instagram.com/exjwcriticalthinker
Facebook facebook.com/Ex-Jehovahs-Witnesses-Critical-Thinkers-529293183758131
Check out our t-shirt designs: exjwcriticalthinker.myspreadshop.com/all
How to Contact Us
We appreciate hearing from our viewers; however, we do not have enough staff or resources to communicate with everyone. We rarely check messages in our social media platforms (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), therefore, if you want to reach us, email us directly at the email address listed below:
✰✰ EMAIL:
jtladycee@gmail.com
⚖️ Legal & Fair-Use Disclaimer (EXJW Critical Thinker Standard)
Disclaimer:This material is produced by EXJW Critical Thinker™ for educational, analytical, and commentary purposes.It is based on the creators’ personal experiences as former members of the Jehovah’s Witness organization and on information publicly available through official and independent sources.EXJW Critical Thinker™ is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York Inc. or any related entity.
All commentary represents protected opinion under the U.S. First Amendment and Fair Use principles of the Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. § 107).The content is intended solely for education, research, and public awareness in the areas of religious studies, organizational ethics, and psychology of control.
#exjw #JehovahWitness #exjwcriticalthinker #JehovahsWitness #ExJW #MentalHealthAwareness #ReligiousTrauma #Deconstruction #ExElder #SpiritualAbuse
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in this powerful episode, we revisit the story of Tony — a former elder and third-generation Jehovah’s Witness — as he opens up about the emotional and psychological impact of growing up in the organization.
Tony shares how guilt, fear, and pressure to “perform spiritually” affected his mental health over time — and why so many others may be suffering in silence today.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or like your struggles were dismissed as “spiritual weakness,” this conversation is for you.
👇 If you're struggling or know someone who is:
📞 Call or text 988 (U.S.)
🌐 Global resources: findahelpline.com
🔔 Subscribe for more interviews and resources for those leaving high-control religions.
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — your story matters.
Join us behind the scenes on Patreon - patreon.com/exjwcriticalthinker
Check out our videos on why we left the Why We Left the Jehovah's Witnesses
youtu.be/rqYUCV4FHI4
youtu.be/bLaSB9P2MEE
Visit us on the Web at exjwcriticalthinker.com
SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube bit.ly/2p9RTSC
Subscribe to Our Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ex-jehovahs-witnesses-critical-thinkers-critical-thought/id967813520
Follow us on:
Twitter twitter.com/ExJWsThink
Instagram instagram.com/exjwcriticalthinker
Facebook facebook.com/Ex-Jehovahs-Witnesses-Critical-Thinkers-529293183758131
Check out our t-shirt designs: exjwcriticalthinker.myspreadshop.com/all
How to Contact Us
We appreciate hearing from our viewers; however, we do not have enough staff or resources to communicate with everyone. We rarely check messages in our social media platforms (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), therefore, if you want to reach us, email us directly at the email address listed below:
✰✰ EMAIL:
jtladycee@gmail.com
⚖️ Legal & Fair-Use Disclaimer (EXJW Critical Thinker Standard)
Disclaimer:This material is produced by EXJW Critical Thinker™ for educational, analytical, and commentary purposes.It is based on the creators’ personal experiences as former members of the Jehovah’s Witness organization and on information publicly available through official and independent sources.EXJW Critical Thinker™ is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York Inc. or any related entity.
All commentary represents protected opinion under the U.S. First Amendment and Fair Use principles of the Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. § 107).The content is intended solely for education, research, and public awareness in the areas of religious studies, organizational ethics, and psychology of control.
