The pros and cons of leaving a religion vary by individual, but studies show that one's health is effected after they make this change.

Making a huge change in life is never easy, and those who leave religion behind may suffer for years from various psychological ailments.

These people may feel depressed, anxious or abandoned, which in turn may affect them in a negative way physically as well.

According to a 2012 study by Pew Research, one-third of American adults under 30, and one-fifth of all Americans, live without religion.

Plenty of studies have focused on the lifestyle differences between religious and non-religious people, but few have determined the effects leaving religion has on someone.

Dr. Darrel Ray, a psychologist, founded the organization Recovering from Religion which brings together therapists and nonbelievers.

Ray says that it takes an individual two to three years to recover from their religious lifestyle. They learn to no longer feel guilty about their choices, and work to overcome anxieties brought on by giving up religion.

In order to help clients, Ray compares components of religion, specifically Hell, to learning a language.

Humans are ingrained from birth with a specific language to speak. Similarly, people are ingrained with the belief in Hell and eternal damnation from a very young age.

For some, leaving their religion behind has been compared to post-traumatic stress disorder. For others, the outcome is positive. They become healthier and feel better than they did while within a religion.

The most fascinating aspect is it shows that religion is able to affect some people so strongly that their health can be compromised.