“There's only one answer... it's ask Jesus”: Female Exvangelicals and mental health

This study explores the experiences of 32 individuals socialised as women within Christian evangelical fundamentalist churches who later deconstructed from these communities. In semi-structured interviews, participants described how church teachings framed mental health struggles as sinful, pathologized negative emotions, and stigmatised secular care. Participants reported that struggles were often spiritualised, minimised, or attributed to personal failings, leaving them vulnerable and unequipped to manage distress. While some engaged with Christian counselling, these experiences were described as ineffective. Nearly all participants overcame distrust of secular services, demonstrating resilience and a growing ability to access evidence-based care. Findings highlight that Exvangelicals may struggle with emotional literacy, self-regulation, and feelings of safety, underscoring the need for trauma-informed approaches. Mental health professionals should be aware of lingering fears of spiritual punishment and the effects of teachings equating emotional expression with sin. Therapy may be effective when it includes building emotional vocabulary and addressing internalised stigma.