Mental Health and Faith: An LDS Perspective
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being. I personally struggle with mental health myself as I suffer from Bipolar disorder and cPTSD (Complex post traumatic stress disorder).
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), balancing faith and mental health can present unique challenges and opportunities. One of the challenges I struggle with is the concept of joy coming from dedication to the scriptures and acts of service.
This article delves into how the LDS community approaches mental health, integrates faith-based practices, and utilizes church resources to support those facing mental health issues.
Understanding Mental Health in the LDS Community
Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how individuals think, feel, and act, influencing how they handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Mental health issues can range from common conditions like anxiety and depression to more severe disorders such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
โThe adversary uses despair to bind hearts and minds in suffocating darkness. Despair drains from us all that is vibrant and joyful and leaves behind the empty remnants of what life was meant to be. Despair kills ambition, advances sickness, pollutes the soul, and deadens the heart. Despair can seem like a staircase that leads only and forever downward.โ
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorfย ย |ย ย Ensign, November 2008
Common Mental Health Challenges
- Anxiety and Depression: These are among the most common mental health issues affecting individuals in the LDS community, as they are in the general population.
- Stress and Burnout: Members may experience stress and burnout due to various factors, including church responsibilities, family demands, and personal challenges.
- Perfectionism: The cultural emphasis on striving for perfection can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
The Role of Faith in Mental Health
Faith and spirituality can play a significant role in mental health. For many Latter-day Saints, their faith provides a source of strength, hope, and resilience in the face of mental health challenges.
Faith-Based Coping Strategies
- Prayer and Meditation: Engaging in regular prayer and meditation can provide comfort and a sense of peace. These practices help individuals connect with God and seek divine guidance and strength.
- Scripture Study: Reading and pondering the scriptures can offer insights, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of God’s love and plan for each individual.
- Service and Community: Participating in acts of service and being part of a supportive church community can foster a sense of belonging and purpose, which is beneficial for mental health.
- Church resources: The church offers a emotional resilience workbook and classes that go along with it. I have personally used the workbook myself and I found it very helpful. You can order it online or pick one up from your local deseret book store.
The Importance of Spiritual Support
Spiritual support from church leaders, family, and fellow members can be a crucial resource for those struggling with mental health issues. The LDS Church encourages members to seek spiritual strength and guidance through prayer, scripture study, and temple worship.
Church Resources for Mental Health
The LDS Church provides various resources to support members facing mental health challenges. These resources include educational materials, counseling services, and support from church leaders. If you are struggling with mental health and paying for a councellor is not in your budget you can talk with your Bishop and you may have the opportunity for the church to pay for councilling services.
LDS Family Services
“Like our Heavenly Parents and our Savior, we have a physical body and experience emotions. My dear sisters, it is normal to feel sad or worried once in a while. Sadness and anxiety are natural human emotions. However, if we are constantly sad and if our pain blocks our ability to feel the love of our Heavenly Father and His Son and the influence of the Holy Ghost, then we may be suffering from depression, anxiety, or another emotional condition.” – Reyna I. Aburtoย
LDS Family Services offers professional counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. These services are designed to help members address mental health issues, strengthen family relationships, and improve overall well-being. If counseling is a financial challenge for you, the church may offer to pay for counseling for you.
- Counseling Services: Professional counselors provide therapy for a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, marital problems, and more. Depending on the councillor you can expect them to use a cognitive model approach or a dialect behavioral therapy. I personally have worked with both counseling models and I found DBT incredibly effective.
- Educational Resources: LDS Family Services offers educational materials and workshops on topics related to mental health and emotional well-being.
Church Leaders and Mentors
Bishops, Relief Society presidents, and other church leaders play a vital role in providing spiritual support and guidance. They can offer counsel, refer members to professional services, and provide a listening ear.
- Bishops: As the spiritual leaders of their congregations, bishops can provide counsel, offer blessings, and refer members to LDS Family Services or other professional resources.
- Relief Society: The Relief Society organization provides support to women in the church, offering resources, education, and a sense of community.
Online Resources
It is important to recognize that depression is not the result of weakness, nor is it usually the result of sin. It โthrives in secrecy but shrinks in empathy.โ Together, we can break through the clouds of isolation and stigma so the burden of shame is lifted and miracles of healing can occur. – Reyna I. Aburto
The LDS Church has developed a range of online resources to help members understand and address mental health issues. Below are 5 of my favorite talks on mental health.
LDS Talks on Mental Health
Here are five LDS talks on mental health that provide valuable insights and guidance:
1. “Like a Broken Vessel” by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
In this profound talk, Elder Holland addresses the challenges of mental illness and the importance of seeking help. He emphasizes the compassion and understanding needed for those struggling with mental health issues and highlights the support that faith and the Church community can provide.
2. “Be Not Afraid, Only Believe” by President Boyd K. Packer
President Packer offers comforting counsel on dealing with fear and anxiety, encouraging faith and trust in the Lord. He speaks to the power of belief and the strength that comes from relying on divine guidance during times of mental distress.
3. “Broken Things to Mend” by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Elder Holland speaks about the healing power of Jesus Christ and His ability to mend broken hearts and spirits. This talk provides hope and encouragement for those facing mental health challenges, reminding them of the Savior’s infinite love and ability to heal.
4. “Let Your Hearts Be Comforted” by Elder Paul V. Johnson
Elder Johnson addresses the topic of depression and anxiety, offering comfort and understanding. He discusses the importance of recognizing mental health struggles and the ways in which the gospel of Jesus Christ provides solace and strength.
5. “Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease” by Elder David A. Bednar
Elder Bednar explores the concept of burdens and how they can be made light through the Savior. He shares insights into how faith and reliance on the Lord can help individuals cope with mental health challenges, providing a source of peace and comfort.
These talks offer valuable perspectives and guidance on mental health from an LDS viewpoint, emphasizing the importance of faith, compassion, and community support.
Integrating Faith-Based Practices into Mental Health Treatment
For many LDS members, integrating faith-based practices with professional mental health treatment can be an effective approach to healing and recovery.
Combining Spiritual and Professional Support
- Holistic Approach: A holistic approach to mental health care involves addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being. Combining professional therapy with faith-based practices can provide comprehensive support.
- Therapists Who Understand Faith: Finding a therapist who understands and respects the LDS faith can enhance the effectiveness of treatment. LDS Family Services can help connect members with such professionals.
Faith and Therapy: Complementary Tools
- Prayer and Therapy: Prayer can be a powerful tool for individuals undergoing therapy. It can provide comfort and a sense of connection with God, complementing the therapeutic process.
- Scriptural Reflection: Reflecting on scriptures related to hope, healing, and resilience can support the therapeutic journey and provide additional insights.
5 Scriptures on Hope and Healing To Reflect On
Here are five scriptures on hope and healing that can offer comfort and encouragement:
1. Isaiah 41:10
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
This scripture reminds us that God is always with us, offering strength and support during difficult times.
2. Psalm 147:3
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”
This verse emphasizes God’s compassion and His power to heal both physical and emotional wounds.
3. Jeremiah 17:14
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.”
A plea for healing and salvation, acknowledging God’s power to restore and save.
4. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Jesus invites those who are burdened to come to Him for rest and relief, offering comfort and hope.
5. Revelation 21:4
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
This scripture provides a vision of a future where all pain and suffering are eliminated, offering ultimate hope and healing.
These scriptures can serve as sources of inspiration and reassurance, reminding us of God’s constant presence and His promise of healing and hope.
Overcoming Stigma and Promoting Understanding
One of the significant barriers to addressing mental health in religious communities is the stigma associated with mental illness. The LDS Church is working to promote understanding and reduce stigma through education and open dialogue.
I personally have spoken about my mental illnesses openly at a fast and testimony meeting and relief society meetings. After being open and expressing my challenges I was flooded with members afterwards telling me about their struggles with mental illness.
I like to be honest and upfront about my Bipolar disorder because it has such a bad stigma associated with it. If people can see that people with bipolar disorder are normal functioning adults it helps to begin breaking the stigma associated with it.
Addressing Stigma
Education: Providing education about mental health within church settings can help reduce stigma and promote understanding. This can be done through talks, lessons, and workshops.
Open Dialogue: Encouraging open and compassionate conversations about mental health can help normalize the experience and reduce feelings of isolation.
Promoting Compassion and Support
Empathy and Understanding: Church leaders and members are encouraged to show empathy and understanding towards those facing mental health challenges. This includes offering support, avoiding judgment, and recognizing the importance of professional help.
“I plead with you to set aside your pride and reach out to those who need help and healing, not only to those who suffer physically, but also to those who suffer spiritually and emotionally. Our dear friends who struggle with mental health issues must be treated with empathy, sensitivity, and respect.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf (“You Matter to Him,” October 2011 General Conference.
Support Groups: Support groups within the church can provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and receive encouragement from others who understand their struggles.
Personal Stories of Faith and Healing
Personal stories of faith and healing can be powerful tools for inspiring and encouraging others. Sharing these stories within the LDS community can help reduce stigma and provide hope.
Testimonies of Healing
Overcoming Depression: Sharing testimonies of how faith and professional treatment helped individuals overcome depression can provide hope to others facing similar challenges.
Finding Strength in Prayer: Stories of how prayer and spiritual practices provided strength and comfort during difficult times can inspire others to turn to their faith for support.
The Role of Community
Support from Fellow Members: Personal accounts of receiving support from church members and leaders can highlight the importance of community in the healing process.
If you are struggeling I pray that you reach out to your relief society presidency. They can organize meal trains, some one to simply sit with you and keep you company, organize blessings and so much more.
Members of the church love serving others, by reaching out to relief society you are offering another to serve you. The church emphasises how service brings blessing into our lives. So not only are you blessed through members serving you, members also receive blessings for their service.
Acts of Service: Stories of how serving others helped individuals improve their mental health can demonstrate the therapeutic power of service. I personally find acts of service during periods of mental health crisis very rewarding and I find it can put things into perspective. For instance; I work in a hospital in patient care, when I am experiencing times of trouble seeing patients that need kidney donations really put things into perspective. It makes my own issues I face seem relatively small.
You can implement acts of service through homeless or survivors of physical abuse shelters. Domestic violence shelters are always in need of clothing for survivors and their children. If you want more of a face to face service feeding the homeless can really put our own troubles into perspective.
Conclusion
Balancing mental health and faith is a multifaceted journey that requires understanding, support, and compassion. For members of the LDS Church, integrating faith-based practices with professional mental health treatment can provide comprehensive care and support. The LDS Church offers a range of resources, including counseling services, educational materials, and spiritual support from church leaders. By promoting understanding and reducing stigma, the church community can play a crucial role in supporting individuals facing mental health challenges. As we continue to navigate the complexities of mental health, let us remember the words of President Thomas S. Monson: “May we ever be united in prayer and in our efforts to bring peace, joy, and healing to our brothers and sisters who are struggling.”
Through faith, professional support, and a compassionate community, individuals can find strength and healing on their journey to mental health and well-being.