What Mental Health Resources Are Available to Me through the Church?

By YA Weekly staff

When life gets hard, there are resources, love, and healing available to help you.

Image

two women looking at a tablet and smiling

Does it sometimes feel like everyone these days is struggling with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or other mental health challenges? It feels like that to us too, and it can be discouraging and disheartening.

Elder Erich W. Kopischke of the Seventy recently stated: “Sometimes I wonder if the ‘desolating sickness’ covering the land, as mentioned in the scriptures, might include mental illness [Doctrine and Covenants 45:31]. It is worldwide, covering every continent and culture, and affecting all—young, old, rich, and poor. Members of the Church have not been excluded.”

Mental health struggles can affect anyone, and sometimes it can be hard to know where to turn for help.

However, as Elder Kopischke added: “Challenges often indicate a need for additional tools and support and are not a character defect.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has many resources and tools to help you or a loved one find support and healing.

You can find a few of those resources below.

Family Services

Family Services is a Church-sponsored organization that offers counseling and social work for individuals, couples, and families. These services are delivered by licensed professionals who can help you navigate life’s challenges and live in a way that upholds the values and principles of the gospel.

Whether it’s dealing with depression, anxiety, marital issues, or family challenges, Family Services can provide you with a safe environment for healing and growth. Talk to your bishop about connecting with a Family Services professional in your area.

Life Help

The Life Help section of the Church’s website has resources for different life challenges, such as mental health, addiction, divorce, pornography, and more.

This section of Gospel Library offers articles, videos, and other helpful materials. These resources are aimed at offering hope, understanding, and guidance to those struggling with mental and emotional health issues.

JustServe

JustServe is a platform for community service. Engaging in service projects offers you a sense of purpose, helps build community connections, and can significantly impact your outlook on life.

By looking outward, contributing to the well-being of others, and unifying with other Church members in your efforts to serve, you may find your own burdens feeling lighter.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “‘When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God’ [Mosiah 2:17], and God will repay your kindness generously. The joy you give to others will return to you in ‘good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over’ [Luke 6:38].”

Emotional Resilience Course

“Finding Strength in the Lord: Emotional Resilience” is a self-reliance course that provides strategies for how to better face emotional challenges. By empowering individuals to take charge of their lives in practical ways, this program can help you improve your thoughts of self-worth and bring you closer to Jesus Christ.

Bishop Gérald Caussé, the Presiding Bishop, said: “‘Finding Strength in the Lord: Emotional Resilience’ teaches gospel principles to strengthen you spiritually, while also developing healthy coping skills to meet life’s challenges and opportunities. …The Lord loves you, and He cares about your welfare.”

Contact your local Church leaders for more information about emotional resilience courses being held in your area.

Ministering and Community

Sometimes great healing and support can come through personal connections. Your bishop and other Church leaders can provide spiritual support and clarity on how to handle life’s challenges.

And don’t forget ministering!

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “Inspired ministering blesses families and individuals; it also strengthens wards and branches. Think of your ward or branch as a spiritual ecosystem. In the spirit of the Book of Mormon allegory of the olive trees, the Lord of the vineyard and his servants bring forth precious fruit and strengthen each tree by binding together the strengths and weaknesses of all the trees. The Lord of the vineyard and his servants repeatedly ask, ‘What more can I do?’ Together, they bless hearts and homes, wards and branches, through inspired, consistent ministering.”

Church activities also foster a strong sense of community. Because of this, staying involved in your ward can help create a support network where you and others can share burdens and find encouragement.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental and emotional health, know there is hope and healing through Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Pour out your heart to Heavenly Father in prayer, and He will help guide you to the sources you need for your unique situation.

Healing may come in stages, and you don’t have to walk that journey alone!