[Anonymous]

Disengaging from thought control cults like WMSCOG or the Unification Church (Moonies) is difficult, but, once done, new challenges arise.  After meeting with 2 former members recently, those challenges become all too apparent.

Emerging after several years, relationships need to be re-established with family, friends, loved ones.  Sometimes these relationships have been severely damaged because of the cult.

Getting used to wide open spaces.  This sounds funny, but I think that those emerging from the close confines of WMSCOG have to struggle to maintain perspective in daily life.  Everything seems different to them, even though little has really changed.  But to the recent recanter the world seems big, wide, full of turmoil.  Answers are no longer easy to come by, particularly when you have been spoon fed for so many years on what WMSCOG says all the answers are …

Loneliness.  Hard for me to understand, but there is camraderie within WMSCOG.  Recanters have issues dealing with friends that have now suddenly rejected them for leaving.  They have been close with them for years.  Now …. nothing.  No contact.

Financial.  This is a big one for those who have been bilked of thousands, some hundreds of thousands, by the WMSCOG apparatus.  For many recanters this is a huge hurdle to overcome.  Retirement accounts are gone.  Even some have sold real estate to help Mother! Members have left good jobs because the work hours didn't match what WMSCOG wanted.   Recovering financially is a big issue after leaving for many.

It would be great to start a discussion on how to help those coming out cope with the difficulties they will face.  Also we should listen to former members tell their stories about adjusting to life outside WMSCOG.