Justin Shoemaker describes how religious scrupulosity and intrusive thoughts sent him into a devastating mental health crisis during his Mormon mission, in a video on the Cults to Consciousness YouTube channel that has gained nearly 50,000 views in 27 hours. Raised in an intensely devout household, Shoemaker believed happiness came from following every church rule exactly.

After returning home early from his mission, Shoemaker attended BYU-Idaho before eventually leaving the faith. The video examines how perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive patterns intersect with high-demand religious environments. Religious scrupulosity — excessive concern about sin and moral purity — affects some members in traditions that emphasize worthiness and obedience.