5 Tips for Better Emotional Health
We stand stronger together.
My husband, Scott, and I served as mission leaders in the Australia Sydney Mission from 2018 to 2021. Whenever a new missionary’s records showed that they struggled with their emotional health, I let them know right away that I have lived through times of depression throughout my adult life. I wanted them to understand we’re on the same team so they didn’t have to face this on their own.
I’d like to share the same message with you! So many people deal with emotional health challenges, yet we can all help one another. To be clear: I am not an emotional health professional. But I’d like to share a few practical and spiritual tips for better emotional health that have helped me, as well as those I know and love.
Christ Raising the Daughter of Jairus, by Greg K. Olsen
Tip 1: Let’s Keep Christ at the Center
I grew up near San Francisco, California, USA, and remember loving an amusement park ride by the beach! It consisted of a large wooden disc that you would sit on and try to hang on as the disc spun faster. Those who sat toward the outside were usually thrown off first. Those who understood centrifugal force, however, sat close to the center.
I think that’s a great analogy for keeping Christ at the center while we’re going through some of these difficult situations—whether it’s anxiety, depression, OCD, or something similar. We need Christ at the center of our lives.
In times of brain health struggles, we may have a muted connection to heaven or have a hard time feeling close to the Savior. This doesn’t mean we’re being punished or that we’re not worthy of God’s love. For me, trusting He is there while waiting for the connection to be restored is worth it! Continue to pray, treasure up the Savior’s words, trust His promises, partake of the sacrament, and do all that keeps you centered on Him.
Tip 2: Let’s Rely on the Lord Daily
The children of Israel in the wilderness had to rely on the Lord for manna every single day. Sometimes when we’re dealing with things as profound as panic attacks or other emotional pains, we want them to go away permanently. And perhaps they will—but maybe not in the way or in the time frame we wish. That doesn’t mean hope is lost. We need to rely on God each day as we work and look forward to brighter times ahead.
One approach is to seek Heavenly Father’s help and try different strategies to find what works for you. Then He can help you remember, during low moments or a panic attack, how soothing music seemed to help in a similar situation or how connecting to someone you trust made you feel safe once. This allows you to collect a set of proven tools to try the next time you struggle. Whatever you do, seek the Lord’s help daily.
We can even say out loud: “When I rely on the Lord every day, I will rise up and find strength I didn’t know I had!”
Tip 3: You Can Take Care of Your Body
The brain is part of our mortal body and is therefore susceptible to the many variations and imperfections of earth life. But good news: there are proven steps we can take to strengthen our brain that can also improve our emotional health. Here are a few such steps:
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Experiencing sunlight or bright artificial light in the morning
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Getting out in nature, connecting to the earth
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Exercising regularly
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Eating healthy foods
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Drinking lots of water
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Getting enough sleep every night
Breathing techniques can be powerful too. Try taking in one deep breath through your nose, and then another. Hold for a few seconds, and, finally, force all your breath out through your mouth.
I do this a few times when I wake up, during moments of intense feelings (like just before giving a general conference talk!), and just before bed.
Tip 4: We Can Ask for Help
If you were lost hiking and came across a guide, would you be too embarrassed to ask for directions to safety? I don’t think so. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. We often do it in other areas of our life.
Help break the stigma against asking for help with emotional challenges.
Whether you need help from God, friends, family, or medical professionals, you are not a weaker person for seeking the extra help you need. In fact, you’re showing courage!
Tip 5: Let’s Stay Connected
Connecting with your Heavenly Father in daily prayer is vital.
I also feel it’s crucial to stay connected to people we can feel safe with and trust. Call your mom! Talk with a friend face to face. Speak with a sibling. We are stronger when we help each other. That strength goes both ways. Everybody needs somebody. Isolation and depression often build on one another. Connecting to those we love and live with and can see and give a hug is a great antidote to so much of the pain we experience.
We Can Abide the Furnace with Him!
Sometimes we simply need to be reminded that God is with us.
In the Old Testament, King Nebuchadnezzar threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into a furnace so hot that even the guards outside couldn’t withstand the heat.
So how did these three survive?
The scriptures teach that a fourth figure could be seen in the flames with them who was “like the Son of God” (Daniel 3:25).
I believe this means Christ is with us through the heat of our trials, especially as we’re enduring them. And brain health struggles can certainly feel like a fiery furnace. Christ is Emmanuel, which literally means “God with us.”
Don’t forget, Jesus Christ is our strength, not just at the end of the road, when we are free from the experience of emotions we didn’t ask for. He is actually with us all throughout our journey. He’s our strength and our relief right now.
Let’s stand stronger together!