Spiritual abuse ptsd

Last UpdatedMarch 5, 2024

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Our short term vision is aimed at empowering and supporting the survivor While “regular” PTSD is generally the result of a single traumatic event – such as being in a war, being the victim of an attack or assault, or witnessing a terrifying event – complex post-traumatic stress disorder is the result of ongoing or long-term sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse during childhood. You may also develop: anxiety Aug 5, 2022 · Moral Failings in the Pulpit Lead to Moral Injury in the Pews. The Religious Trauma Institute was co-founded by Dr. The betrayal and loss of trust that could be experienced May 11, 2024 · The emotional damage is significant. Sometimes people diminish spiritual abuse, not recognizing the trauma it causes, but the effects can be just as devastating as any other form of abuse. The sexual abuse is often painful, sadistic, and humiliating, intended as a means of gaining control over the victim. 324). This book provides a comprehensive guide to recovery, based on a tested model of post-cult counselling, and years of research and clinical experience. One popular response is making the decision to no longer go an institutional church. As more and more humans decide to leave organized religions or join cults, we are understanding the effects of those experiences as traumatic and adverse. It is the proverbial “death by a thousand cuts. The authors of this article conducted a structured literature review and meta-analysis Aug 3, 2021 · Signs and symptoms that you are dissociating include: feeling disconnected from your body, like an “out-of-body experience”. Religious Trauma is Real. Various forms of PTSD are commonly associated with religious abuse, so if you think you could be suffering from spiritual abuse, contact Serenity Trauma for a consultation and Feb 2, 2023 · Religious trauma is different from spiritual abuse, though it can include abuse. It’s a testament to the profound impact of spiritual abuse, highlighting the need for compassionate, trauma-informed approaches to healing and recovery. You may be looking for a Christian who understands the nuances of this issue, but not looking for spiritual guidance. + Spiritual Abuse. Emotional abuse is a type of trauma that can lead to significant consequences. I'm pretty sure I relayed the story either in a post, or in comments, that one… Feb 16, 2021 · The terms religious trauma and religious abuse have been used to describe the harmful impact on mental health that can occur as part of an individual’s church or religious experience. The victims usually had an already internalized positive image of a priest as a spiritual authority, and sexual abuse introduced deep dissonance. Entering a church building can bring a rush of emotions. Before I get to practical ways to deal with triggers, I feel it necessary to delve a little bit more into triggers and explain a few generalities about church, safe spaces, PTSD, and recovery. Beyond repairing the trauma of exploitation, broken relationship and the loss of self, healing from spiritual abuse involves recovering the promises of acceptance, meaning and Jun 30, 2020 · Religious belief in hell fills the waking moments and dreams of untold numbers of people with terror, many of whom seek therapy to break the nightmarish fear. Literature on peer behavior dating back two decades tells us that involvement in the church Jul 10, 2023 · Some survivors of spiritual trauma are tentative with new people and skeptical of anyone in a position that reminds them of the source of their abuse. They’re belief systems. Religious trauma includes both a spiritual nature, as well as the physiological and psychological experience of the abuse and While the aforementioned review discussed the importance of the church and spiritual foundation to the African American community, substance use, abuse, and illegal trafficking continue to ravage many African American communities throughout the U. While Religious Trauma Syndrome is not an official diagnosis in the DSM-5, it is a common experience shared among many who have escaped cults, fundamentalist religious groups, abusive religious settings, or other painful In this video, I briefly explain some signs of Spiritual (Religious/Evangelical Abuse) and how those affected by it respond. Emotional and spiritual abuse aren’t one-offs. Photo Dec 14, 2021 · This is tantamount with the next symptom of spiritual trauma distinguished by Doyle’s (2009), namely a change of attitude toward priests to one of distrust or deep confusion. . Apr 18, 2024 · More than 10 years later I now am a happily married mom of two, and passionate about preventing people from entering into toxic relationships and helping victims leave and overcome the pain from narcissist abuse. However, there is relatively little research on the inversion of this dynamic, the way that trauma changes a person ' s religious beliefs. Forgiveness is a personal journey and skilled trauma therapists understand that forcing premature forgiveness Victims of spiritual abuse often need to process trauma as they may have real PTSD. Your Experience is Your Experience. Which of course, most church people choose to ignore, or minimize Mar 17, 2023 · Religious or spiritual abuse has the capacity for harming one's religiosity and/or spirituality. Dr. When we talk about spiritual abuse, we are referring to any instance in which someone has used religious beliefs to manipulate, scare, or harm you. Kyle holds an Associates in Biblical & Theological studies, a Bachelors in Christian Your Strength To Heal is dedicated to promoting healing from grief and loss, abuse and trauma, and addiction primarily through education, training, support, and valuable online information on trauma to survivors, mental health professionals, and the community-at-large. Ritual abuse is a brutal form of abuse of children, adolescents, and adults, consisting of physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual abuse, and the use of rituals. It can come from a faith leader or a partner who uses spiritual or religious beliefs or doctrine to exert power over you. You feel confused about your beliefs, and you’re too uncomfortable to tell anyone about them or ask any questions. Sep 9, 2023 · 1. Religion and spirituality (R/S) play an important role in the lives of many. Spiritual Abuse is quickly becoming a recognized form of complex trauma, or sometimes called Spiritual Trauma. It is Apr 19, 2023 · Spiritual violence can have severe psychological and emotional consequences for individuals who experience it. Michael J. Spiritual abuse can have a Feb 23, 2023 · In this session, view Candice Richardson Dickens for a deeper understanding of one of the most overlooked forms of abuse and how we as therapists can recognize the signs and respond. An individual may experience this as emotionally or physically harmful or life-threatening and may affect mental, physical, social, and/or spiritual well-being. Listen to Cassidy DuHadway, LCSW, discuss adverse religious experiences and how they lead Aug 27, 2021 · When PTSD is co-morbid with either spiritual distress or moral injury, the disorder tends to be more severe, and the course of therapy needed for recovery is longer [13, 17, 18]. Spiritual abuse can seriously and deeply effect one’s life, relationships and mental health. You have been emotionally, sexually or physically abused by someone in spiritual authority over you. Spiritual abuse to cause victim to feel possessed, harassed, and controlled internally by spirits or demons. 26. Furthermore, among veterans with PTSD, those experiencing spiritual distress or moral injury are at higher risk for suicide [8, 10, 11, 13]. The solution is believing the truth about God’s love, His sending Jesus to the cross to pay the penalty, Jesus’ loving sacrifice to pay the penalty we should have paid, and then receiving God’s Feb 1, 2017 · Oliver August 15th, 2017 at 7:48 AM . Over time, both can contribute to low self-esteem and depression. Mental health disorders. Spiritual abuse involves coercion, control, or exploitation by another person in a spiritual context. Abuse is never OK. **Grappling with Spiritual Abuse PTSD** Jan 3, 2024 · Moral Injury and PTSD. Laura Anderson is a licensed psychotherapist, trauma resolution coach, religious consultant, speaker, author, and educator. A skilled counsellor can help survivors understand the dynamics of their trauma and explore its impact on their emotional well-being, relationships, and spiritual development. Feb 2, 2023 · Religious trauma is different from spiritual abuse, though it can include abuse. Jun 20, 2021 · I just listen to the episode about PTSD and thought it was a really powerful episode. We sought to review the extant empirical research on R/S abuse and trauma. Control. Religious and spiritual cognitions should be considered in the context of trauma, because religious beliefs comprise a substantial part of many people’s global meaning system and therefore inform their coping responses (), and because they address issues of existential meaning, which may be called into question by trauma (Janoff-Bulman, 1992). Abuse survivors also often struggle with where God was during the abuse, and Gingrich wrestles wisely and sensitively with these issues (pp. This paper brings a trauma-informed lens to explore the ordeal that generally accompanies being LGBTQIA + in Evangelical churches. Howard currently serves the church as a trauma informed soul care provider. Religious trauma often involves breaking away from a controlling environment, lifestyle, or spiritual figure. 2. Description. Navigating through the aftermath of religious trauma and spiritual abuse can lead to a spectrum of mental health disorders. Church and pastoral abuse can trigger a unique form of PTSD. Paul and Minneapolis, MN and online therapy in Colorado and all of Minnesota. Desecration of Judeo-Christian beliefs and forms of worship; Dedication to Satan or other deities. It only helps the person heal so they can make their own choices based on their belief Oct 12, 2017 · Spiritual Abuse, PTSD, Recovery, Beaverton Grace Bible Church, Chuck O'Neal *** When someone deals with spiritual abuse, it can have lasting consequences. Oh, and…. The first is when we are born into this world as sinners and are separated from God. One of the most painful things about spiritual abuse is NOTE FROM TED: This talk contains a discussion of violence and abuse and represents the speakers personal experiences and spiritual beliefs. She also addresses inner healing prayer—which invites the healing presence of Jesus into memories of past trauma—and suggests it may be a helpful Christian approach for some counselees (pp Jul 29, 2015 · Spiritual abuse is rampant and causes considerable mental health issues, including PTSD and Complex PTSD, along with depression, anxiety and suicide. 174–78). EMDR doesn’t change your religion or spirituality; it can’t. Mar 12, 2021 · Introduction: Empirical research has shown that religious beliefs support people recovering from traumatic experiences. Willow Counseling, PLLC exists to provide quality trauma-informed mental health counseling to the Nashville community, recognizing the interconnectedness of our emotional, spiritual and physical selves. In 2020, we launched the Collaborative Research Group for graduate students and researchers studying religious trauma Spiritual abuse is an event or series of experiences a person endures from a religious leader or organization. The empirical findings of the studies are organized into eight Jan 3, 2018 · And many times, the trauma isn’t a car accident or a firefight during military service—it’s harm by people we love dearly, in the form of emotional and spiritual abuse. 2 In addition to the requirements and advice set out in Responding Well to Victims and May 23, 2023 · Spiritual abuse is related to religious trauma, and could be considered one type of religious trauma. May 18, 2023 · Here are 10 things to know about recovery from spiritual trauma that may be helpful in your journey: 1. 2017. Spiritual PTSD occurs in 2 very different times of our lives. Rediscovering True Freedom after Abuse 0 shares. feeling separate from the world around you. It can have a profound impact on a person’s physical, emotional, mental, sexual, and spiritual well-being. American Counseling Association), spiritual abuse is “the coercion and control of one individual by another in a spiritual contest. Her mission is to provide trauma-informed support and resources to survivors of religious trauma, adverse religious experiences, faith deconstruction, cults, spiritual abuse, and leaving high demand/high control systems. However, sexual abuse occurs inside and outside of religious Dec 20, 2021 · Requirements. ” Built into all spiritual abuse is the low-grade trauma and ongoing damage done to the psyche of the followers involved. 2. Dec 1, 2023 · The terms Religious Trauma, Spiritual Abuse, and Church Hurt, while widely floated in the “Deconstruction Movement” (Oostveen, 2018), as well as various movements intended to restructure the Religious trauma symptoms can include strong feelings of guilt or shame, fear of punishment, difficulty trusting one’s intuition, fear of expressing thoughts, feelings or emotions, and low self-worth or self-esteem. Guilt and shame are core features of moral injury and are also symptoms of PTSD. It refers to the overlying religious system that is characterized by captivity, and psychological domination and results in an erosion of the personality, characteristics of Complex PTSD outlined by Judith Herman in her groundbreaking work, Trauma and Recovery. Jan 26, 2024 · When working with individuals who have experienced Religious Trauma or Spiritual Abuse, it’s like peeling back layers to reveal a system that tells them how to be and what to believe. We provide support and services to those experiencing the effects of spiritual or religious based trauma. You need a therapist who has experience with trauma, anxiety and depression, but that also specializes in religious trauma and church Jul 14, 2023 · Spiritual abuse often leads to complex trauma, affecting various aspects of a person's life. I am aware of how rampant spiritual/religious abuse is, and the effects of it. It doesn’t matter if your abuser was a pastor or a Sunday school teacher or a family member—abuse is never justified and should never be excused. It can rob someone of a childhood, of self esteem, and the ability to sustain friendships and relationships. What happened to you Which is terrible in itself. Dec 14, 2021 · This is tantamount with the next symptom of spiritual trauma distinguished by Doyle’s (2009), namely a change of attitude toward priests to one of distrust or deep confusion. A. Manipulation. Mar 22, 2022 · Published: March 22, 2022. We work together to alleviate symptoms, learn better coping skills, relieve burdens, remove the pain of Feb 14, 2023 · The Spiritual Abuse and Harm Screener, released in 2022, is a free and publicly accessible survey. Meaning-making is also one of the recovery tasks for family and friends who lose a loved one to a traumatic event. For more information or to book Some abuse is spiritual abuse because it takes place in a spiritual place/context. Don’t be bitter or angry. The following are some of the effects of spiritual abuse: Trauma; Individuals who experience spiritual abuse may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related disorders. Importantly, this model distinguishes meaning-making processes and products of that process (meaning made). S. Abuse and illusion to convince victims that God is evil, such as convincing a child that God has raped her. According to the book “Affirmative Counseling with LGBTQI+ People (Ginicola, Smith, and Filmore. Religious trauma is the ongoing effect that spiritual abuse can have on a person. This is an interactive self-help workbook and psychological road map to enable survivors of coercive, cultic and spiritual abuse to find healing, recovery and growth. See full list on choosingtherapy. Aug 2, 2023 · Spiritual struggle can include loss of faith, anger at God, the perception that negative life events are punishment from God, strong feelings--sometimes exaggerated--of guilt or shame, and difficulty forgiving or feeling forgiven. Laura Anderson, and Brian Peck, LCSW, in collaboration with a growing community of clinicians who are passionate about bringing a trauma-informed approach to religious trauma. Results can help individuals identify several types of spiritual harm, as well as the severity of Feb 9, 2023 · Our guest today, Dr. R. Oct 4, 2012 · While spiritual abuse victims may or may not suffer physical abuse, their souls are torn and bleeding. The prognosis appears to be positive; […] Life, Reinvented: A Guide to Healing from Sexual Trauma for Survivors and Loved Ones by Erin Carpenter. Though his Soul Care ministry is comprehensive, he his primarily focused on counseling, teaching, and raising awareness about Spiritual abuse/trauma as well as racial trauma. May 1, 2023 · The terms religious trauma and spiritual abuse have been used to describe the harmful impact on mental health that can occur as part of an individual’s church or religious experience. May 11, 2019 · Spiritual abuse is the abuse of the human spirit. Combining recent research, years of clinical experience, and first-hand Their efforts to construct meaning allowed for a spiritual transformation of the abuse to take place, culminating in an elaborate religious narrative, which reinforced their vocations and self-worth, contributing to their renewed spiritual and psychological equilibrium, and even to their posttraumatic growth. Oct 6, 2023 · Religious trauma syndrome (RTS) occurs when an individual struggles with leaving a religion or a set of beliefs contributing to their indoctrination. One author suggested that victims of church abuse or other forms of spiritual abuse suffer PTSD(post-traumatic stress disorder). Kruger is president of Reformed Theological Seminary's Charlotte, North May 16, 2018 · Long-term effects. By unravelling these layers, counselling aids in processing the trauma and Sep 8, 2021 · 2. Studies show that severe emotional abuse can be as powerful as physical abuse. Spiritual abuse is wrapped in a cloak of sanctimony that makes it difficult to identify at first. 7. Jan 26, 2024 · Religious trauma can happen inside any religion or spiritual group. Oct 30, 2018 · Trauma occurs when an individual is harmed or threatened with harm, and they have no way to fight it off or flee from it (Van Der Kolk, 2014). If you are an adult struggling with your abusive childhood and the wreckage of your past, here are a few things that might help: Willow Counseling, Nashville, TN. 4. Spiritual trauma, also known as religious trauma, is a distressing experience that occurs when an individual’s religious or spiritual beliefs are threatened, degrading, abusive, or damaging. Oct 29, 2017 · Dealing with triggers in church is common for survivors of spiritual abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse – or worse: some twisted combination of all of these. It is characterized by a systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour in a religious context. It may be physical as well, but I’m not going to address that in this particular post. There is attrition of spiritual health that results in emaciated souls In short, yes. In this course, theories of spiritual abuse and approaches to understanding it are explored through pastoral, developmental, and clinical lenses. It can even happen within groups with the same hallmarks of religious/spiritual groups like politics, sports, etc. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. Mar 26, 2023 · And this can often give rise to more grievous abuse – exploitation of labor, finances and sex along with whatever secrecy and tests of loyalty required to cover it up. It is “pervasive psychological damage resulting from religious messages, beliefs and experiences” (Stone 2013 , p. There are a few things worth defining before continuing: spiritual abuse, religious trauma, and PTSD. **Recognizing Spiritual Abuse** Some common signs of spiritual abuse include: - Fear-based thoughts and behaviors - Induced guilt and shame for questioning rules or authority - Contemplating that questioning beliefs is sinful - Frequent exposure to judgmental and punitive religious shapes. I get that. Healing from PTSD, emotional abuse, havoc on your self worth from the Narcissist requires months to years of self care, EFT tapping This course is the first of its kind to comprehensively define spiritual abuse, frame it within the context of AIP/trauma-informed care, and provide solutions for how to heal it using the EMDR approach. Feb 12, 2015 · One survivor of multi-generational ritual abuse who wishes to remain anonymous, has written a public letter to the Stop Mind Control and Ritual Abuse Today (S. We were founded by Kendra Snyder, LMFT. PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that affects your thoughts, memory, emotions, and thinking. Apr 14, 2022 · Sexual assault is obviously a type of spiritual trauma, probably the most insidious type, since all abuse is spiritual at the core. This work is informed by our many partnerships and collaborations with trauma-informed clinicians Mar 29, 2022 · Religious trauma is the outcome of spiritual abuse. It can be acutely traumatizing at the time, but it is more often slow, subtle, and insidious. 1 Church Officers must be aware that spiritual abuse is often an integral element of other experiences of abuse within the Christian and other faith contexts and must be considered when investigating disclosures of other forms of abuse. The physical abuse is severe, sometimes including torture. There is a great deal of overlap between moral injury and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Apr 14, 2022 · Serenity Trauma has often diagnosed religious abuse along with multiple anxiety disorders, and multiple types of trauma can easily spring form this type of abuse. If a person with religious trauma has the DSM-required number of symptoms for PTSD, then spiritual abuse can cause PTSD. feeling numb or Kyle J. That is what spiritual abuse is. Spiritual Abuse is the use of power, conscious or unconscious, to direct, control, or manipulate a Nov 15, 2023 · Religious and spiritual trauma is often an overlooked experience that enormously impacts generations. Victims of abusive churches also find it difficult to find the right church. Multicultural and trauma treatment competencies provide the rationale for this investigation as psychologists are charged with providing ethical and sound research and Nov 17, 2023 · Hope Wood LMFT, Counseling & Coaching, Marriage & Family Therapist, Greer, SC, 29650, Are you dealing with spiritual abuse, religious trauma, clergy abuse, clergy sexual misconduct, existential Apr 2, 2017 · Children who experience child abuse, be it physical, emotional, sexual, or in this case spiritual grow up to be adults who struggle with PTSD, depression, chronic anxiety, trauma, and addiction. Concerns should be addressed to: PO Box 1000, Eau Claire, WI 54702-1000 or call 1-800-844-8260. May 30, 2023 · Summary. This is a specific kind of betrayal trauma, and recovery from it is a high priority. 28. In an episode of The Allender Center Podcast, trauma practitioner, speaker and pastoral leader Rachael Clinton Chen defines spiritual abuse as "The use of May 23, 2023 · This is an interactive self-help workbook and psychological road map to enable survivors of coercive, cultic and spiritual abuse to find healing, recovery and growth. In the therapeutic setting, it’s crucial not to assume the role of authority or power. Spiritual abuse can cause religious trauma. It can have you in a constant state of fear and alertness, which causes your body to produce large amounts of stress hormones. The Vashti Initiative is a volunteer-driven organization lead mostly by fellow survivors of religious or spiritual abuse. And while many would say that the spirit cannot be wounded, it is definitely possible to split off from conscious awareness of the spirit. They find it difficult to trust others, whether leaders in a church or other leaders in their life. 3. Then it threatens eternal damnation and separation from God–and how can the person fight or flee from Religious Trauma is the body’s response to religious beliefs, practices, or structures that overpower a person’s ability to cope and return to a sense of safety. Life, Reinvented brings both inspiration and practical tools to survivors of sexual assault or childhood sexual abuse and their friends, family members, and spouses. Although R/S can be a resource when coping with stress, it can also be a source of stress or trauma. You may need to look in new places. Michael Kruger, has written a new book called Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church. Your satisfaction is our goal and our guarantee. The Role of Emotional and Spiritual Abuse in Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Spiritual Abuse and Harm Screener, released in 2022, is a free and publicly accessible survey. It’s impact should not be minimized. Both begin with an event that is often life threatening or harmful to self or others. Results can help individuals identify several types of spiritual harm, as well Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events or set of circumstances. Religious Trauma Syndrome, or RTS, refers to psychological damage that is the result of religious experiences, messages, doctrines, and teachings. May 20, 2019 · MYTH #2: You must forgive an abuser in order to heal. It refers to the overlying religious system that is characterized by captivity, and psychological domination and results in an erosion of the personality, characteristics of Complex PTSD outlined by Judith Herman in her groundbreaking work, Trauma and Recovery . I first encountered the concept of moral injury during my MDiv program Feb 14, 2023 · The New Screener. When abuse occurs in a religious setting, it has the effect of making it less likely that religion Please know that if your partner has ever used religious or spiritual beliefs or texts to coerce you into being physically or emotionally oppressed or harmed, that is spiritual abuse. I’m in school to become a counselor and they were right on as far as I could tell when they were talking about trauma. It is designed DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPIRITUAL ABUSE QUESTIONNAIRE AUGUST 2016 The current study initiated the development and validation a measure of spiritual abuse. But the common thread is that all of them were also bullies, controlling and manipulative with people. Religious Trauma Syndrome, or RTS, refers to psychological damage that is the result of religious experiences, messages, doctrines and teachings. Often, spiritual abuse is perpetrated by spiritual leaders to their followers – for example, a Identifying the right therapist to process spiritual abuse or religious trauma can be tricky. While someone can say that they are fine, inside they may be experiencing many ongoing symptoms of trauma and be truly stuck. Our systematic review identified 25 studies that met the inclusion criteria. May 27, 2022 · A Basic Definition of Spiritual Abuse. The second main expression of spiritual abuse is when the abuser seeks to justify their behavior by hearkening to certain theology, doctrine, or religious text. Including those harmed by; religious cults, abusive religious institutes, and other adverse spiritual settings. M. Spiritual trauma is often the Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) is group of symptoms that arise in response to traumatic or stressful religious experiences. Spiritual abuse can be devastating. The use of spiritual truths or biblical texts to do harm is another form of spiritual abuse. T) organization, reflecting on NobleTree Therapy is a group practice of trauma and body-based therapists that help people heal from religious trauma, spiritual abuse, and other types of trauma. These responses can be physical, emotional, or psychological. We talk with him about how to best understand and address spiritual abuse in the church and wider Christian community. 27. In some settings, the symptoms of religious trauma can be similar to those of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). 1. Sometimes battered wives are told that God wants them Aug 18, 2022 · Abstract. Abstract. Spiritual abuse can involve verbal, emotional, and/or physical violence. We provide counseling and therapy in St. Reclamation Collective is committed to holding space for folks navigating Religious Trauma and Adverse Religious Experiences, including themes of Religious Trauma, Deconstruction, Deconversion, and Spiritual Abuse. You have a deep fear of death, evil, hell, or the end of the world. Sexual abuse by a priest or pastor, for example, is clearly a form of spiritual abuse in addition to sexual abuse. com Spiritual Struggle, Trauma, and PTSD. Bullying. Treating hellfire trauma requires knowledge of the client’s religious indoctrination and upbringing, as well as the psychological mechanisms that reinforce the fear. We 77 Chapter 2 presents the conceptual framework of the meaning-making model, a comprehensive framework describing how meaning manifests in day-to-day life as well as in encounters with traumatic events. This journey is often marked by Dec 2, 2020 · Spiritual abuse is a form of emotional and psychological abuse. Not many are talking about this, but I will. Nov 25, 2010 · 25. nb mv bz rg pp jz fj am nn yb