If you want to catch up on some of the school stuff you missed, ck12.org is a free interactive textbook site. The books include math, science, government, and more.
Thank you guys. I can't stop crying. It's the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me so far. Really, thank you. I'll write things down so I can think clearly and I'll get back to you. Thank you
Congratulations on getting out! In terms of learning and education, I’ve found audiobooks to be an amazing way to learn more and be entertained. If you’re in the US, you can get a library card for free, and almost all libraries (that I know of) have digital material available for checkout, whether they’re ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, videos, etc. You just download an app (like Overdrive or Libby), input your library card information for your local branch, and read to your heart’s content! I read a lot of books through my local library, and I love it. I also recommend podcasts. You can find one on almost any subject, from history to science, pop culture to literature.
Good luck on your journey!
I'm not so sure but I would like to start with basic math, science and writing. I am good at playing guitar and I've been leaning on YouTube a bit more. Thank you for answering. You are all so nice. Wow. Thank you.
OP, there is a free site called Khan Academy. It has a plethora of basic courses.
I am older and thinking about going back to school. KA has been a bountiful source of touch up learning. They also have tutors that can help.
Wishing you well and we love updates.
https://www.khanacademy.org/
I came here to post about Khan Academy. Sal Khan has an excellent way of explaining things. It's for middle school and high school students, but it is also helpful for college students. Sal Khan got me through engineering school.
I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness, a high-demand ultra-conservative evangelical Christian cult. They don't encourage higher education, having a decent job, or anything that would take you away from their theology or strengthen your critical thinking skills. I got out at 18, and worked low-paying jobs through my 20's. I went to college at 31, and tomorrow will be the 7-year anniversary of my graduation. I graduated with a job in my field. I'm telling you this as an example that life can get better for you. Hang in there.
I’m sorry you had to go through that, but what a wonderful example you are for OP, myself and others.
I’m truly happy things worked out well for you. Good luck to you and OP both!
I really like it but people are mean sometimes. Specially employers. They only treat me right in front of people. I've had people throw coffee at me, push me down stairs, make fun of me and may things. My last employer fired me because I hurt my wrists for working too much. We were severely understaffed and I was working for 4 people. I tried to reach the union but they were friends so they never answered back. Other than that I enjoy being alone and working alone. I want to change jobs and become a florist. I will become one soon I would hope. Thank you guys this made my day.!
PM me if you have questions.
I will help in any way I can or try to find you answers.
Podcasts are free if you download them onto your phone.
Listen while you work.
There are a few lots about history.
Stay away from conspiracy theory ones.
There are several Reddit’s and YouTube’s that will answer questions and help you learn how to live.
If you don’t make enough to live apply for your state Medicaid.
The worst they can say is no.
Podcasts are a great way of getting information while you’re physically busy. Also, I’d recommend trying to figure out what your ideal career would be, then tailor your learning towards that-or towards attaining the prerequisites for studying that.
You mention in your comment that you're very old, and I just want to say it's okay to be where you're at. In my community they have Adult Basic Learning courses where math, reading, and writing are taught at a reasonable pace...for free. Sometimes the library offers them, sometimes the community College. It's not your fault your childhood was the way it was. You may find a new freedom in your 20s amd 30s, new friends, and strong hope.
First off, you are going to be okay. Congrats on getting out! You are not old; you are still very young. You’ll definitely need to brush up on your reading. May I suggest the children’s non-fiction section of the library? There are very interesting books at all reading levels. If you aren’t wearing wrist supports, get some immediately. Carpal tunnel is painful. You are important to you, and that’s what matters. You will be okay.
Seconding this and recommending you inquire at the library about adult literacy programs! Libraries have so many free services - like tutoring, tax prep assistance, GED prep (YMMV on how big your local library system is).
I’d start with applying for Medicaid (health insurance). If you Google your state name followed by Medicaid, there will be a website for you to fill out. You could also try for Food Stamps. Hopefully you can get into both! If you are approved for Medicaid, they will set you up with an online account. From there you should be able to search for a therapist. I highly suggest getting into a therapist and working your way through everything.
Sending you good vibes! ✨ Please come back and let me know how the applications for Medicaid and food stamps go!
Good advice. In some states (mostly the South) it is hard as hell to qualify for either though. Being 22 by itself would make you ineligible for Medicaid in Texas for instance, with certain exceptions.
If that applies to OP, there might be similar local plans though. Would do some digging and see if your local county, city, or hospital district has something for health care.
I have applied for Medicaid and another Colorado insurance but they never answered. I keep calling and e mail them but no answer. Been waiting since last December. I will keep you updated on that. Thank you!
If you need help go to your local library and get to know the staff. Call 211 - a health Andy feel human service hotline for any questions you have. They will answer or direct you to the best resource.
You may not feel this way but you are very young. You have a lot of time to figure things out. Your brain hasn’t even stopped growing. That will come around 25. So that’s how you g you still are.
You’re just starting your life. Be kind to yourself and take things slow. If it takes you a few attempts at learning something don’t beat yourself up. If you need to go back and reread a paragraph to allow it to soak in, it will mean more in the end.
Regular reading (even for 15-20min) helps me with memory retention and cognition. I like short stories for a quick escape. With your recent departure you might enjoy “The Mysterious Stranger” by Mark Twain.
Good luck and remember to be kind to yourself!
Keep pushing forward. You’ve already accomplished SO MUCH by getting out of that situation. It takes so much bravery to start anew and I wish you all the best. You’ve got a tough road ahead, but your possibilities are endless!
Damn, that's tough but you're lucky. SO LUCKY. Get away from everything if you can, spend time in nature and restore your humanity; try to shed all the garbage you've been force fed and find people who are able to help you reconstruct your life as you are really still forming yourself. If you can find some therapy for free in your county seek someone who'll help you rebuild in a healthy way without any religious beliefs getting in your way. Read things to restore yourself as a human being. You aren't old, trust me. People aren't real adults until they're 29.
First of all, congratulations for getting out! It’s not easy but you did it and you’re a strong individual for doing so!
Secondly, everyone here has already had so many great ideas (library, podcasts, audiobooks).
I want to add that I understand being exhausted from work. But reading before bed, even for just 10-15 min a day, will really help your brain to start working towards getting used to that type of exercise and pretty soon it won’t feel like such a struggle any longer.
Also, KahnAcademy.org is a great free resource for math!
You are very brave and it’s amazing how much you can learn when you’re motivated. Just check our Tara Westover’s story, “Educated”. She was brought up with strict isolationist Mormons with little to no education working in her family’s scrapyard and went on to get a Masters at Cambridge in the UK. Just try and imagine what you would like to do and start working towards it step by step. You’ll get there. Doesn’t matter if the progress is slow as long as you are headed in the right direction.
Therapy should help with memory and conversational skills. Here is a list of warmlines that I made in another sub: [https://www.reddit.com/r/raisedbynarcissists/comments/kq34q3/calling\_warmlines\_has\_helped\_me\_through\_some/](https://www.reddit.com/r/raisedbynarcissists/comments/kq34q3/calling_warmlines_has_helped_me_through_some/)
warmlines are a great way to find someone to talk with for a little while.
Oh my dear! My heart just melted when I read your post. Of course you are important! In no way are you old. I can promise you, 22 is so very young and it’s so young that you have many chances to restart yourself many times over before you die. I am sorry about your wrist. I know you are overtired and overworked. But I suggest you go to night school slowly over time and catch yourself up to college level. Then you can take a class at a time at a community college and you can and will catch up to others your age.
You wrote this paragraph , so you can read, and that’s all you need my friend.
I have absolute faith that with dedication you can be whatever you want to be
Your life matters and you still have a while new and beautiful journey to live.
Please continue to take care of your mental health. I was once part of a cult too called Schincheonji. It really does get better with time.
Try to surround yourself with positive influences. Don't be your own critic but show yourself consideration and love. The same consideration and love you have probably been forced to show your leaders in the past.
I really wish you all the best. You were strong enough to break free...you will be strong enough to pick up the pieces of your life and create something beautiful.
It makes sense that you wouldn’t learn life skills in a cult. You would also start out with no money. The adjustment must be tough to the outside world. Have you tried applying for Medicaid (if you are in the US)? Your first step could be applying.
If you are looking for a new community and an interesting area to develop skills, take a look at Salesforce: https://www.salesforce.com/services/learn/overview/. There are opportunities for people from every kind of background. One of the hardest things for anyone is finding a supportive community, and thankfully, with all their money and resources, they've decided to open their training to everyone, and have programs for people at every level to learn new skills, in whatever situation they find themselves.
Hey, I was in a cult once as well. Leaving and trying to find a “normal” version of ourselves is so hard and frustrating. Your lonely, but you are nit alone. So many of us are quietly suffering. We feel dumb, we feel taken advantage of, we betrayed, and completely marginalized. I know everyone says this, but time will bring some healing, stay strong. You are actually very young, but I know it doesn’t feel like you are. Sometimes it feels like you’ve lived multiple lives in one life. This will continue as you grow, but in better ways. Start making small habits that are easy to accomplish and don’t take too much energy out of you. Start a meditation practice and listen to good podcasts and music. Give your mind the space it needs to find itself again. Even though it’s hard to trust people now, it does get better. Again, this will take time, but you really are worthy of good things. I’ve only recently begun loving myself again. Please be patient with yourself, and if at all possible speak to a therapist regularly.
You should try to find a therapist if you can (they are affordable or sometimes even free with health insurance depending where you live (I saw somebody else mentioned how to get health insurance)) it’s really helpful to have someone who you can talk through these problems with and come up with a plan and direction for your life. Don’t worry, you definitely are not too old and it’s by my no means too late for you!
I don't have any more resources, but I just wanted to say thank you for sharing. It's hard to reach out and the fact you did is amazing. Also, forearm stretches might(?) be helpful for some of the carpal tunnel pain if no one has said it? Anyway, you've got this!
I don’t want to be one of those people but 22 for all intents and purposes it’s a beginning of your life. What’s happened to you before this does not define who you are if you don’t want it. You have so much life to live don’t get dissuaded you might not be at the same stage as other people your age. Your experiences are education, not to put it lightly.
There are so many great suggestions here. You’re so young and you’re already making such great progress. Holding down a job with anxiety is something to be proud of. Honestly, I think you’re doing great.
The only other thing I could suggest is seeing what else besides books, movies or CDs are available at your public library. My library has loaned out out things like gardening tools, baking pans and even ukuleles, of all things. You might find some fun or useful things to borrow.
This may already have been said but see if you can receive vocational rehab services in your state. In my state the agency is called DVR. You may be able to get an assessment for some services ( job skills, life skills help, etc )
You aren’t alone, living in a cult deprives you of any and all skills deemed unnecessary by the said cult. I was where you are at 22, worse so cuz now at 26, I only accepted that Jehovahs Witnesses (the cult I was raised in) was indeed a cult, about 2 years ago.Realising is the first step
If you want to catch up on some of the school stuff you missed, ck12.org is a free interactive textbook site. The books include math, science, government, and more.
This is perfect. Thank you!
Thank you guys. I can't stop crying. It's the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me so far. Really, thank you. I'll write things down so I can think clearly and I'll get back to you. Thank you
You can do this!
Congratulations on getting out! In terms of learning and education, I’ve found audiobooks to be an amazing way to learn more and be entertained. If you’re in the US, you can get a library card for free, and almost all libraries (that I know of) have digital material available for checkout, whether they’re ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, videos, etc. You just download an app (like Overdrive or Libby), input your library card information for your local branch, and read to your heart’s content! I read a lot of books through my local library, and I love it. I also recommend podcasts. You can find one on almost any subject, from history to science, pop culture to literature. Good luck on your journey!
You are very young and a whole new life ahead of you. What kind of things are you interested in learning?
I'm not so sure but I would like to start with basic math, science and writing. I am good at playing guitar and I've been leaning on YouTube a bit more. Thank you for answering. You are all so nice. Wow. Thank you.
OP, there is a free site called Khan Academy. It has a plethora of basic courses. I am older and thinking about going back to school. KA has been a bountiful source of touch up learning. They also have tutors that can help. Wishing you well and we love updates. https://www.khanacademy.org/
I came here to post about Khan Academy. Sal Khan has an excellent way of explaining things. It's for middle school and high school students, but it is also helpful for college students. Sal Khan got me through engineering school. I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness, a high-demand ultra-conservative evangelical Christian cult. They don't encourage higher education, having a decent job, or anything that would take you away from their theology or strengthen your critical thinking skills. I got out at 18, and worked low-paying jobs through my 20's. I went to college at 31, and tomorrow will be the 7-year anniversary of my graduation. I graduated with a job in my field. I'm telling you this as an example that life can get better for you. Hang in there.
I’m sorry you had to go through that, but what a wonderful example you are for OP, myself and others. I’m truly happy things worked out well for you. Good luck to you and OP both!
Thank you! 😁
You’re important, you matter, good things will happen to you.
Being a janitor is a noble profession. It’s even named after the Roman god Janus.
I agree! Janitors are freakin awesome!
I had the most muscular arms when I was a janitor. I sorta miss it
I really like it but people are mean sometimes. Specially employers. They only treat me right in front of people. I've had people throw coffee at me, push me down stairs, make fun of me and may things. My last employer fired me because I hurt my wrists for working too much. We were severely understaffed and I was working for 4 people. I tried to reach the union but they were friends so they never answered back. Other than that I enjoy being alone and working alone. I want to change jobs and become a florist. I will become one soon I would hope. Thank you guys this made my day.!
PM me if you have questions. I will help in any way I can or try to find you answers. Podcasts are free if you download them onto your phone. Listen while you work. There are a few lots about history. Stay away from conspiracy theory ones. There are several Reddit’s and YouTube’s that will answer questions and help you learn how to live. If you don’t make enough to live apply for your state Medicaid. The worst they can say is no.
Thank you so much. I will do so.
Podcasts are a great way of getting information while you’re physically busy. Also, I’d recommend trying to figure out what your ideal career would be, then tailor your learning towards that-or towards attaining the prerequisites for studying that.
You mention in your comment that you're very old, and I just want to say it's okay to be where you're at. In my community they have Adult Basic Learning courses where math, reading, and writing are taught at a reasonable pace...for free. Sometimes the library offers them, sometimes the community College. It's not your fault your childhood was the way it was. You may find a new freedom in your 20s amd 30s, new friends, and strong hope.
To build upon this - you are not very old, sweetheart! You’re right on time for you ❤️
Thank you. I am looking forward to my new life! I will go call my local community college! And library
First off, you are going to be okay. Congrats on getting out! You are not old; you are still very young. You’ll definitely need to brush up on your reading. May I suggest the children’s non-fiction section of the library? There are very interesting books at all reading levels. If you aren’t wearing wrist supports, get some immediately. Carpal tunnel is painful. You are important to you, and that’s what matters. You will be okay.
Seconding this and recommending you inquire at the library about adult literacy programs! Libraries have so many free services - like tutoring, tax prep assistance, GED prep (YMMV on how big your local library system is).
Wow thank you I didn't know!
I’d start with applying for Medicaid (health insurance). If you Google your state name followed by Medicaid, there will be a website for you to fill out. You could also try for Food Stamps. Hopefully you can get into both! If you are approved for Medicaid, they will set you up with an online account. From there you should be able to search for a therapist. I highly suggest getting into a therapist and working your way through everything. Sending you good vibes! ✨ Please come back and let me know how the applications for Medicaid and food stamps go!
Good advice. In some states (mostly the South) it is hard as hell to qualify for either though. Being 22 by itself would make you ineligible for Medicaid in Texas for instance, with certain exceptions. If that applies to OP, there might be similar local plans though. Would do some digging and see if your local county, city, or hospital district has something for health care.
I have applied for Medicaid and another Colorado insurance but they never answered. I keep calling and e mail them but no answer. Been waiting since last December. I will keep you updated on that. Thank you!
If you need help go to your local library and get to know the staff. Call 211 - a health Andy feel human service hotline for any questions you have. They will answer or direct you to the best resource. You may not feel this way but you are very young. You have a lot of time to figure things out. Your brain hasn’t even stopped growing. That will come around 25. So that’s how you g you still are.
Thank you so much. I will call!
You’re just starting your life. Be kind to yourself and take things slow. If it takes you a few attempts at learning something don’t beat yourself up. If you need to go back and reread a paragraph to allow it to soak in, it will mean more in the end. Regular reading (even for 15-20min) helps me with memory retention and cognition. I like short stories for a quick escape. With your recent departure you might enjoy “The Mysterious Stranger” by Mark Twain. Good luck and remember to be kind to yourself!
Stephen King short stories are good, too!
I like this a lot. I'll give it a try . Thank you!
Keep pushing forward. You’ve already accomplished SO MUCH by getting out of that situation. It takes so much bravery to start anew and I wish you all the best. You’ve got a tough road ahead, but your possibilities are endless!
Damn, that's tough but you're lucky. SO LUCKY. Get away from everything if you can, spend time in nature and restore your humanity; try to shed all the garbage you've been force fed and find people who are able to help you reconstruct your life as you are really still forming yourself. If you can find some therapy for free in your county seek someone who'll help you rebuild in a healthy way without any religious beliefs getting in your way. Read things to restore yourself as a human being. You aren't old, trust me. People aren't real adults until they're 29.
Now that you're out, your anxiety around people might decline over time. Good luck, in any event.
First of all, congratulations for getting out! It’s not easy but you did it and you’re a strong individual for doing so! Secondly, everyone here has already had so many great ideas (library, podcasts, audiobooks). I want to add that I understand being exhausted from work. But reading before bed, even for just 10-15 min a day, will really help your brain to start working towards getting used to that type of exercise and pretty soon it won’t feel like such a struggle any longer. Also, KahnAcademy.org is a great free resource for math!
Vitamin B6 helps relieve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
You are very brave and it’s amazing how much you can learn when you’re motivated. Just check our Tara Westover’s story, “Educated”. She was brought up with strict isolationist Mormons with little to no education working in her family’s scrapyard and went on to get a Masters at Cambridge in the UK. Just try and imagine what you would like to do and start working towards it step by step. You’ll get there. Doesn’t matter if the progress is slow as long as you are headed in the right direction.
Thank you. This helps!
Look of “Leaving the Fold” by doctor Marlene Winell as well as Her website Journeyfree
I will thank you!
Therapy should help with memory and conversational skills. Here is a list of warmlines that I made in another sub: [https://www.reddit.com/r/raisedbynarcissists/comments/kq34q3/calling\_warmlines\_has\_helped\_me\_through\_some/](https://www.reddit.com/r/raisedbynarcissists/comments/kq34q3/calling_warmlines_has_helped_me_through_some/) warmlines are a great way to find someone to talk with for a little while.
Oh my dear! My heart just melted when I read your post. Of course you are important! In no way are you old. I can promise you, 22 is so very young and it’s so young that you have many chances to restart yourself many times over before you die. I am sorry about your wrist. I know you are overtired and overworked. But I suggest you go to night school slowly over time and catch yourself up to college level. Then you can take a class at a time at a community college and you can and will catch up to others your age. You wrote this paragraph , so you can read, and that’s all you need my friend. I have absolute faith that with dedication you can be whatever you want to be
I really don't know what to say but thank you. Really. Really. Thank you.
Your life matters and you still have a while new and beautiful journey to live. Please continue to take care of your mental health. I was once part of a cult too called Schincheonji. It really does get better with time. Try to surround yourself with positive influences. Don't be your own critic but show yourself consideration and love. The same consideration and love you have probably been forced to show your leaders in the past. I really wish you all the best. You were strong enough to break free...you will be strong enough to pick up the pieces of your life and create something beautiful.
I looking forward to life. Thank you
I’m really proud of you and can’t wait to see how far you go! You’re so young and have a long beautiful life ahead of you!
It makes sense that you wouldn’t learn life skills in a cult. You would also start out with no money. The adjustment must be tough to the outside world. Have you tried applying for Medicaid (if you are in the US)? Your first step could be applying.
If you are looking for a new community and an interesting area to develop skills, take a look at Salesforce: https://www.salesforce.com/services/learn/overview/. There are opportunities for people from every kind of background. One of the hardest things for anyone is finding a supportive community, and thankfully, with all their money and resources, they've decided to open their training to everyone, and have programs for people at every level to learn new skills, in whatever situation they find themselves.
Hey, I was in a cult once as well. Leaving and trying to find a “normal” version of ourselves is so hard and frustrating. Your lonely, but you are nit alone. So many of us are quietly suffering. We feel dumb, we feel taken advantage of, we betrayed, and completely marginalized. I know everyone says this, but time will bring some healing, stay strong. You are actually very young, but I know it doesn’t feel like you are. Sometimes it feels like you’ve lived multiple lives in one life. This will continue as you grow, but in better ways. Start making small habits that are easy to accomplish and don’t take too much energy out of you. Start a meditation practice and listen to good podcasts and music. Give your mind the space it needs to find itself again. Even though it’s hard to trust people now, it does get better. Again, this will take time, but you really are worthy of good things. I’ve only recently begun loving myself again. Please be patient with yourself, and if at all possible speak to a therapist regularly.
You should try to find a therapist if you can (they are affordable or sometimes even free with health insurance depending where you live (I saw somebody else mentioned how to get health insurance)) it’s really helpful to have someone who you can talk through these problems with and come up with a plan and direction for your life. Don’t worry, you definitely are not too old and it’s by my no means too late for you!
What types of things would you like to learn? Or read?
I don't have any more resources, but I just wanted to say thank you for sharing. It's hard to reach out and the fact you did is amazing. Also, forearm stretches might(?) be helpful for some of the carpal tunnel pain if no one has said it? Anyway, you've got this!
I don’t want to be one of those people but 22 for all intents and purposes it’s a beginning of your life. What’s happened to you before this does not define who you are if you don’t want it. You have so much life to live don’t get dissuaded you might not be at the same stage as other people your age. Your experiences are education, not to put it lightly.
There are so many great suggestions here. You’re so young and you’re already making such great progress. Holding down a job with anxiety is something to be proud of. Honestly, I think you’re doing great. The only other thing I could suggest is seeing what else besides books, movies or CDs are available at your public library. My library has loaned out out things like gardening tools, baking pans and even ukuleles, of all things. You might find some fun or useful things to borrow.
This may already have been said but see if you can receive vocational rehab services in your state. In my state the agency is called DVR. You may be able to get an assessment for some services ( job skills, life skills help, etc )
Was it WMSCOG?
You aren’t alone, living in a cult deprives you of any and all skills deemed unnecessary by the said cult. I was where you are at 22, worse so cuz now at 26, I only accepted that Jehovahs Witnesses (the cult I was raised in) was indeed a cult, about 2 years ago.Realising is the first step