Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of self-harm.
The words spoken by her therapist in rehab, “In this religion, what do you really have”, made Mackenzie look at the harsh realities of her life in the cult of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Worried about what she would lose, she had to first take a look at what she really had. Sadly, what she had was a life that was so traumatic she developed DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) and that had driven her to self harm. Failing to receive any real help from her family and the congregation, with a mother encouraging her to cut again because she was better to be around when self-harming, Mackenzie would find help with others that were working through their own pains that finally brought real support to her life.
The song that Mackenzie chose to represent her journey is Waiting For My Real Life To Begin by Colin Hay.
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This podcast was made possible by my original podcast This JW Life. You can find it on any podcast app or on YouTube. It is a 9 part series about life as Jehovah’s Witnesses designed to help you understand how it worked in one comprehensive story and to help you process your own if you came from that environment.
Music provided by Jane and the Boy, entitled Save Myself.
You’re so awesome I’m so glad you’re out! I’m so sorry for what you’ve gone through! Enjoy your freedom you are strong you are amazing!