The practice of religiously motivated conversion therapy is often seen as a way for individuals to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.
It can also have long-lasting negative effects on an individual's mental health and overall wellbeing.
One of the most common side effects of this type of treatment is depression. Individuals who undergo religiously motivated conversion therapy may feel like they are not good enough or that they cannot please God unless they conform to society's expectations. This can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and even thoughts of suicide. In some cases, individuals may be subjected to physical harm during conversion therapy, which can further exacerbate these symptoms.
Another consequence of religiously motivated conversion therapy is anxiety. Individuals may feel anxious about their future, worried that they will never find happiness or acceptance in life if they don't follow the church's teachings. They may also worry that they won't be able to fit into certain social circles or that their family and friends will reject them if they don't change their behavior. These fears can cause panic attacks, insomnia, and other forms of psychological distress.
Some individuals may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after going through religiously motivated conversion therapy. This condition involves persistent and intrusive memories of the trauma, avoidance behaviors related to the situation, and heightened arousal when reminded of the event. PTSD can make it difficult for people to function normally in day-to-day life and can even cause physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
Individuals who have gone through religiously motivated conversion therapy may develop a sense of shame and self-loathing. They may believe that they are fundamentally flawed or broken because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, leading to low self-esteem and a negative view of themselves. This can impact all areas of life, including relationships with family members, coworkers, and romantic partners. It can also lead to substance abuse, risky behaviors, and other unhealthy coping mechanisms.
The long-term consequences of religiously motivated conversion therapy can be devastating for an individual's mental health. Those who undergo this type of treatment should seek professional help immediately if they are experiencing any of these side effects. With proper support and counseling, many individuals can recover from the emotional damage caused by conversion therapy and live happy and fulfilling lives.
What are the long-term psychological consequences of being subjected to religiously motivated conversion therapy?
It is well established that exposure to traumatic events can have a profound impact on an individual's mental health, and religiously motivated conversion therapy has been identified as one such event. This type of therapy typically involves attempts by parents, family members, or other individuals to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity through a variety of techniques that may be psychologically damaging.