# PARADISE POSTPONED: JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES AND MENTAL ILLNESS

- Link: https://food4jws.kingdomherald.com/jehovahs-witnesses-and-mental-illness/
- Published: 2026-11-07T00:00:00+00:00
- Author: RR

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.

_______________

Download Dr. Bergman’s paper: [https://food4jws.kingdomherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/PARADISE_POSTPONED_AND_POSTPONED_Why_Jeh-1.pdf](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.

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