“How can the gospel help me with depression?” For the Strength of Youth, Aug. 2021, 30–31.
Questions and Answers
“How can the gospel help me with depression?”
Don’t Give Up
“If you have mild depression, try finding ways to serve others. You can also try reading the scriptures, praying, and working on your goals for the new youth program. If it is a serious case, you may want to seek professional help. Most of all, never forget that your Heavenly Father loves you. If you pray to Him for help, you will receive an answer.”
Ryan B., 11, Arizona, USA
You’re Not Alone
“We can all find hope through Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and other people. God teaches us to have faith when we pray and ask about our problems. The scriptures help us understand more about Jesus Christ and how He overcame so many trials. It’s also important to talk to someone, like a parent or trusted friend, who can help us see that we’re not alone.”
Christian V., 18, Chihuahua, Mexico
He Will Comfort You
“When I feel sad, I remember that I have Jesus Christ, who has felt everything I have felt. In Alma 7:11, it reads: “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind.” He knows exactly how to help you because He has felt the same thing. As you turn to Jesus Christ, He will comfort you.”
Makayla F., 17, California, USA
Be Patient with Yourself
“Be patient and kind to yourself. Set simple goals to accomplish daily, such as praying, pondering, and doing something you enjoy. Then persevere to the end of each day. Heavenly Father is aware of your situation and awaits you in His kingdom. Stay firm in your faith, and the burden will be lightened. It’s real. I know it.”
Isabelle F., 21, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Think of Blessings
“Whenever I’m feeling depressed or sad, I like to reflect on the day or week and think of things that God has blessed me with. When I do that, I feel a lot more peace and happiness because it helps me know that Heavenly Father is aware of me.”
Taylee L., 16, Utah, USA
A Safe Haven in Christ
“In church we hear and learn that Jesus Christ healed many people. What many people don’t know is that Jesus Christ is still healing people now through His atoning sacrifice. He may not appear out of nowhere, but through His example and lessons, we can find help.”
Sofia R., 16, Chihuahua, Mexico
Remember Uplifting Words
“Sometimes we feel like we don’t have a purpose. Keep believing in the gospel. Even when we feel like we can’t pray, we can kneel for a few minutes anyway. We can listen to the scriptures or a message from the Church. We can remember the words of a hymn or memorize a phrase that reminds us of the courage we have. I memorized a phrase by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles that gives me hope: ‘The great thing about the gospel is we get credit for trying, even if we don’t always succeed’ (Apr. 2016 general conference [Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 125–26).”
Giani V., 22, Córdoba, Argentina
Remember His Love
“The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of love. Jesus Christ overcame the world because He loves us. Because of that sacrifice, I know He understands everything I’m going through. In Matthew 11:28, the Savior invites us: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ His love is what we need to remember most in times of anguish.”
Lyvia S., 17, Paraná, Brazil