How the shame of being an ex-muslim destroys your sense of self

Why is it that no one talks about how heavy of a burden it is being an ex-Muslim? It’s not just about leaving a religion; it’s about the weight of living a life in hiding, where you have to constantly pretend to be someone you’re not. You’re forced to lead a double life, masking your true identity from your family, even though all you’ve done is follow your own path. There’s nothing wrong in choosing your own beliefs, yet you have to keep this hidden, especially if you’re from an Arab country, because the fear of being shunned, shamed, or even persecuted is very real.

This secrecy isn’t just about safety; it eats away at your sense of self. You carry around an undeserved sense of shame, as if by simply being true to who you are, you’re doing something wrong. The pressure of constantly hiding your values, your beliefs, your very identity, can make you feel like you’re losing your dignity, like you’re somehow less than others. It’s a heavy burden to bear, and one that is rarely spoken about, leaving those who experience it feeling isolated and misunderstood.