From the Mission Field

Could I Serve a Mission with Social Anxiety?

By Thomas Stanley

The author lives in Utah, USA.

I love the gospel, but my social anxiety made me wonder if I would be able to serve a mission.

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a young man studying his scriptures and pondering

I was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by parents who taught me to love the scriptures. As I grew, so did my testimony. I kept the commandments to the best of my ability and was always striving to please my Father in Heaven.

Even with my strong testimony, I always felt socially awkward. I didn’t have many friends growing up, and I found it exceptionally difficult to carry on even the simplest of conversations. I would try to serve others and attend my meetings and youth activities, but I did so quietly. I never felt like I fit in, and being around others made me nervous.

I struggled with this throughout my adolescence. So imagine how difficult it was for me when it was time to serve a mission.

My thoughts went something like this:

“I’m terrified of people and don’t speak very well; how will I manage when I’m knocking on doors and going into people’s homes to teach them the gospel?”
“Am I going to get along with my companions?”
“I’ll be away from home for two years!”
“This is going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Can I do it?”
“Do I know the gospel well enough to teach it?”

It felt like a lot. Even though I had a strong testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ, I still doubted and wondered if I was qualified to serve the Lord.

After much pondering, I felt that the adversary did not want me to serve a mission, because he knew it would make me a better person.

I decided to take a leap of faith and serve a mission.

The Lord Will Guide You, Even If You Feel Anxiety

When the day came to report to the missionary training center, I almost didn’t leave my house. But my faith in the Lord and His teachings, combined with reassurance from sincere, heartfelt prayer, helped me take that first step out of my door.

In that moment, that was all I needed—to make the decision. I knew the Lord would take care of the rest.

And He did!

I came home from my mission a changed man. When others asked what I got out of my mission, I said, “Me!” I learned that while serving a mission is about sharing the gospel with those who are ready to receive it, it is also about changing the individual who serves.

While my social struggles will always be part of me, I learned how to deal with them because of my mission. This has helped me in my education, career, and even in finding my eternal companion and starting a family.

For me, these accomplishments would not have been possible if I hadn’t served a mission.

President M. Russell Ballard (1928–2023) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught this too, saying: “My missionary service prepared me to be a better husband and father and to be successful in business. It also prepared me for a lifetime of service to the Lord in His Church.”

Looking Back on My Mission

One night, my wife and I were talking about my experiences as a missionary. At one point, she said, “Wouldn’t it be neat to get a glimpse back at what it was like for you on your mission?”

I wish I could give each of you a glimpse of what I experienced out there in the field. If I could, there would be no doubt in your mind that serving a mission will bless your life in unimaginable ways.

If you’re like me and wondering how on earth you will be able to do all that a mission requires of you, perhaps you will find comfort in these scriptures that helped me as a missionary:

“My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

“And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

“Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–9).

This passage helped me understand that if I faced my feelings of inadequacy by trusting in Jesus Christ, He would comfort me. My trials would be a small moment if I maintained an eternal perspective.

If you want to serve a mission but aren’t sure of your ability, don’t hesitate. Talk to your parents and your bishop or branch president. They can help you prepare and explore the opportunities for missionary service that are available to you. If you involve the Lord in your decision, He will support you.

I love the Church, my Heavenly Father, and my Savior. I would not be where I am today without Them. They continually bless my family and me each day, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the experiences I have faced, currently face, and will face in the days to come.