Nova, 17: "If I hadn't been in the Jehovah's Witnesses, I would have received help earlier"
Seventeen-year-old Nova reflects on her struggles after leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses, revealing feelings of isolation and a lack of support.
Seventeen-year-old Nova shares her harrowing experiences after leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses, stating that her departure left her without family or a support network. She recounts feelings of desperation, leading her to self-harm and starvation, and even contemplating suicide. Nova expresses that the teachings and structure of her former faith had isolated her as a child, and upon leaving, she found herself trapped in a new kind of turmoil.
Nova's experiences highlight the psychological toll of leaving a strict religious community. She describes the 'treatments' offered by the Jehovah's Witnesses as mere facades for sexual abuse, suggesting that her anguish was compounded by the betrayal of trust within the organization. Her story is shared in a new book that aims to shed light on the darker aspects of life within such high-control groups, emphasizing the urgent need for support systems for individuals like her.
The narrative also includes the perspective of ex-member Jenny, who echoes Nova's sentiment by stating that she has lived incredibly close to death. This raises awareness around the challenges faced by those who disengage from tightly knit religious groups, bringing forth discussions about mental health and the necessity of providing resources for healing and recovery after such traumatic experiences.