PARADISE POSTPONED: JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES AND MENTAL ILLNESS
Research indicates that mental health issues are notably more prevalent among Jehovah’s Witnesses compared to the general population. Differences in statistics arise from the specific groups studied and the time frames examined. Factors that contribute to their mental health struggles include preexisting emotional difficulties and the negative impact of the teachings and culture promoted by the Watchtower organization. While the Watchtower portrays a strong sense of faith, many Jehovah’s Witnesses experience higher rates of mental illness and social challenges than followers of other American religions. With a community of over 10 million active or learning members, the hidden difficulties they encounter could be lessened if more people understood the misleading aspects of Watchtower beliefs. The reasons for these issues are complicated and can only be briefly summarized. After the year 1975, when the anticipated arrival of God’s kingdom did not occur as the Watchtower had claimed, various concerns within the congregations gained attention from both the media and researchers. Numerous studies have looked into mental health among Jehovah’s Witnesses, and I will summarize these studies in the order they were published.
In 1946, Gosta Rylander studied 135 conscientious objectors in Sweden and found that 126 of them were Jehovah’s Witnesses. He diagnosed 51 as neurotic, 42 as psychotic, 32 as mentally challenged, and 5 as brain-damaged. Many of these individuals had mental health issues before joining the faith, and Rylander noted that the teachings of the Watchtower often made their problems worse.
While about 4% of the general Swedish population was deemed unfit for military service due to psychological reasons, the rate among Jehovah’s Witnesses was much higher at 21%. Rylander observed that most of the participants were active members who turned to the religion to deal with their personal struggles. Although some of his conclusions might not apply today because the membership has shifted to a more middle-class demographic, many Jehovah’s Witnesses, especially in developing countries, still face serious challenges similar to those Rylander identified.
In 1949, M. J. Pescor studied 177 young men who were imprisoned for breaking military rules due to their beliefs as Jehovah’s Witnesses. His research showed that more than 7% of these men were diagnosed with psychotic disorders, which is 17 times more than what you would find in the general population. Additionally, 4% had other mental health issues, and 25% struggled with social adjustment. Among those who were hospitalized, 44% were diagnosed as psychotic.
Later, therapist Havor Montague looked into mental health admissions in Ohio from 1972 to 1976 and found that Jehovah’s Witnesses had a mental illness rate that was 10 to 16 times higher than the general population, with about 10% needing professional help. He noted that many people turned to the Witnesses because of their emotional problems, but this often made their issues worse. Interestingly, many individuals reported feeling happier after leaving the organization.
Robert Potter’s 1985 Ph.D. thesis showed a strong connection between being a Jehovah’s Witness and having clinical schizophrenia. Ursula Sack’s dissertation looked deeper into how being involved with the Watchtower can negatively affect mental health. Other researchers, like Elmer Koppl in Germany and Kjell Totland from Norway, found similar results, noting higher rates of mental illness, suicide, and violent crime among Jehovah’s Witnesses in Oakland County, Michigan, between 1965 and 1973.
Mental health issues are common in the Witness community for several reasons. One major factor is that the Watchtower often changes its teachings, especially regarding medical issues. For example, vaccinations were once rejected in the 1930s and 1940s but are now seen as a personal choice and encouraged for their health benefits. Organ transplants faced a similar journey; they were accepted in 1961, banned in 1967 due to fears of cannibalism, and then allowed again in 1980. Bone marrow transplants were approved in 1984. Blood transfusions have also changed; they were once acceptable but became a reason for disfellowshipping by 1961, and now Witnesses are taught to refuse them, even for their children, although some blood products are now permitted.
Gary Busselman, who lost his wife to leukemia, now feels regret over their decision to decline medical treatments that the Watchtower later endorsed, highlighting the deep emotional effects of changing beliefs within the organization.
Many Jehovah’s Witnesses feel disillusioned because they believe their group is a theocracy led by God, claiming to be the only true followers while labeling outsiders as evil. However, they are often aware of serious crimes committed by some members, like the Freeman brothers, who murdered their family and received life sentences, drawing international attention to other violent incidents linked to Witnesses.
A lot of Jehovah’s Witnesses worry that the Watchtower might not be a true religious organization, mainly because of its history of failed predictions and teachings. Instead of confronting these worries, many choose to ignore them.
A major change happened when the Watchtower took back its statement that Armageddon would occur soon after 1914, now saying that the timing of such events is uncertain. Those who felt misled by earlier beliefs, especially those who put the organization before personal choices like marriage and family, often struggle with feelings of betrayal.
Watchtower literature is seen as having a special authority, with only its leaders allowed to explain what God wants. Members are taught that being part of the organization is crucial for salvation, even though the beliefs can change over time. Realizing that some of these teachings may not be true can be really hard for them, leading to a struggle with their conscience that might make them want to leave. However, leaving the organization is tough because it means cutting off relationships with family and friends, which can cause a lot of emotional pain. Many people decide to stay even when they feel conflicted, but they might eventually feel pushed to give up their entire previous life.
The rules set by the Watchtower affect every part of a person’s life, allowing only their special “memorial” celebration while rejecting all others. They discourage pursuing higher education, limit social interactions to only those related to spreading their beliefs, and require attendance at five meetings each week, which can make children feel isolated. This strict environment creates feelings of guilt and inner conflict, as they are taught to view non-Witnesses negatively. Their refusal to join in common activities, like saluting the flag or celebrating holidays, often leads to being made fun of. Moreover, the teachings discourage questioning critics, which can increase feelings of paranoia, and there are reports of higher rates of paranoid schizophrenia among members.
One major reason for mental health struggles in the Witness community is the lack of supportive guidance from the Watchtower, which often puts its goals ahead of the well-being of its members. People are expected to attend many meetings and participate in challenging door-to-door work, leading to feelings of being trapped. Instead of pursuing personal happiness or fulfilling careers, many wait for an uncertain Armageddon, hiding their sadness behind a false sense of joy.
After baptism, the initial support diminishes, while strict rules become more important, making personal beliefs risky and potentially leading to disfellowshipping. This pressure can push individuals to act against their own values as their hope for a better future fades. The literature and conversations within the community often focus on discouragement, suggesting that serving the Watchtower will fix their problems. When this doesn’t work, guilt sets in, contributing to high rates of suicide and homicide among Witnesses.
Some do find their way out. Many of these become agnostics or atheists, hating God and all attempts to understand and reach Him. Some are blessed to find true spiritual and psychological recovery, however. Through intensive Bible study they come to realize that the Watchtower is based on a false understanding of the Bible. These persons realize a faith does exist that is not based on the shifting sands of a man-made organization directed by individuals who are ill-informed about Scripture, historic Christianity, and modern biblical research. Such people look back at their experience in the Watchtower as one that can help others. Many of them become involved in the various counter-cult ministries and use their Watchtower expertise to help others find salvation in Him who is the only way, truth, and life.
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Download Dr. Bergman’s paper: https://food4jws.kingdomherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/PARADISE_POSTPONED_AND_POSTPONED_Why_Jeh-1.pdf
Dr. Jerry Bergman is a college professor at Northwest State College in Archbold, Ohio.
Jerry Bergman has taught biology, genetics, chemistry, biochemistry, anthropology, geology, and microbiology at Northwest State College in Archbold OH for over 30 years. He has 9 degrees, including 7 graduate (2 PhD’s). Dr Bergman is a graduate of Medical College of Ohio, Wayne State University in Detroit, The University of Toledo, and Bowling Green State University.
He has over 800 publications in 12 languages and 20 books and monographs. He has also taught at the Medical College of Ohio where he was a research associate in the department of experimental pathology, and he also taught 6 years at the University of Toledo, and 7 years at Bowling Green State University.
Dr Bergman has presented over one hundred scientific papers at professional and community meetings in the United States, Canada, and Europe. To discuss his research, he has been a featured speaker on many college campuses throughout the United States and Europe, and is a frequent guest on radio and television programs.