One thing that I have noticed in my dealings with a lot of women in the congregation are deep, intense feelings of insecurity and worthlessness. I use the term "worthlessness" very loosely because it can apply to many different situations, in the congregation, in the home, personally, etc. Over the years, and especially over the past 6 years, I've met sisters from all walks of life. One common theme is the fact that many are either depressed, neurotic, or feel that they don't deserve better than an insecure 20-something brother who is only good inside the KH. I've heard horror stories of horrible husbands who don't take into account their wife's well-being. I've ever heard a sister tell me about her ex husband and how she saw her sex life as nothing more than a wifely duty. Sad!!
As I began my fade, I began to talk about less than kosher topics with some of these women. Many were on medication (anything that ends with -pam is for mood swings, anti depression, etc). It was shocking to hear about the addictions to valum and other medications. Now, to be fair, Jehovah's Witnesses have normal body chemistry like all other human beings. Depression and other conditions are to be expected. But there was another trend that went hand in hand with this; the feeling of being internally flawed. "My (ex) husband/boyfriend corrected me because I wasn't submissive." And of course, the congregation gossip didn't help either. It was just shocking to me to learn that many of the friends, in my experience sisters, are fragile and insecure on the inside. Couple this with the constant measuring up to other families and the pressure to be all you can be (Army reference HA!), many people just can't take it. And seeking professional help is seen as putting trust in nobles.
Growing up in the truth, I would have never thought that many of the friends dealt with these issues. What's more, some JW husbands are cold, calculating, "spiritual" men. I've grown to realize that JW's face mental issues as much as any other people, if not more due to the high stress environment. I hope to get married soon. I feel that this knowledge will help me to at least take care of me and mine, and be a listening ear to those around me. More than anything to support my family emotionally and reassure them that their worth can not be measured in magazines placed, hours recorded in service, or any other worldy standard. Love God with all of you heart, and do your best to imitate His son. Nada mas, nada menos. Thanks for reading.