The strongly religious communities I grew up in simply couldn't fathom that someone could actually think God doesn't exist.

The apparent possible reasons for this: 1) This person must not want to be held accountable for their actions, so they ignore the existence of God. 2) They are just going through the motions and unaware, but if they were presented with the truth of God's existence, they would accept it. 3) They are simply evil and hate God and goodness.

Stone Jade,

Wished I could help on the depression. My depression is from a far different source than losing my religiosity. Mine is from losing my family and dealing with a second, more harsh, round of CPTSD (Complex PTSD). Thus, I not only have depression, I have a whole slew of mental problems to deal with. And, I have adult ADHD for the "cherry on top."

However, the greatest piece of help I can offer: Research the problem thoroughly. When I went back to college, I did a research paper titled, "Soul Shatter: The Hidden Effects of Severe Psychological Trauma." Believe me, it helped tremendously to do all that research into PTSD and CPTSD. My doctors had actually misdiagnosed me as having Major Depressive Disorder. Only problem with that as I found out, PTSD can have the combined effects of Major Depressive Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorder, Schizophrenic Disassociative Disorder (reliving the nightmare in an awakened state), Bipolar Disorder, and a couple of others I cannot remember off the top of my head. PTSD may not include ALL of those other disorders, but it usually almost always includes at least three of them. I know it included three for me, sometimes four (the awakened nightmares).

Anyway, As I did that research, I became more knowledgeable about my actual condition. The more knowledge I gained, the more capable I became in dealing with it. However, one major problem with PTSD is that it is a condition that can last a lifetime. And I am fairly certain it shall for me. Although I can handle it better, I still suffer. Hell, after two near death accidents (one in the Navy, one that killed my family and almost got me), is it any wonder anyone can truly "get over it"?

And that is one statement that will set me off quicker than any other: "It happened. It's in the Past. Get over it."

And I am ashamed to admit that when one Absolutist said that to me a few years after my family's death, I beat the ever-living shit out of him. I completely lost all control. If it had not been for the others, I am fairly certain I would have beaten him to death. On another board, I guess this is the one thing I truly regret. Simply because I was never able to make amends for what I had done. And, as said, being ashamed for having lost all control.

rmfr