When life turns around – exploring experiences of the turning point for individuals who have disaffiliated from a religious community

Religious disaffiliation is a complex and multifaceted process that can be both difficult and liberating at the same time. Previous research shows that leaving a religious community is a life change that may greatly affect the life of an individual, and lead to experiences of fear, guilt, sorrow, pain, losses and even suffering on an existential level. The aim of the study was to increase the understanding of individuals’ experiences of the turning point towards health, after disaffiliating from a religious community. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 participants who had left different religious communities in Finland. The participants described their experiences of before, during and after this turning point, and these are presented through three main categories and nine subcategories. The results of the analysis show that the turning point is described as both a point where ‘life turns around’ and a process they went through, on their path towards health. Individuals in this context need caring professionals who have the courage to walk this process together with them. This new knowledge is important for different kinds of professionals, not just healthcare professionals, in order to develop and improve the support that clients receive in this life situation.