Mental Health/Depression Position Statement

As someone who has struggled most of my life with the disease of depression and anxiety I was excited to study more about this topic from the gospel perspective.  I was grateful that it was acknowledge as a real, medical problem and not just a personal weakness.  Knowing that it’s not a personal weakness is so important to getting help and getting better.  I have learned that it’s ok to get medication, to get help.  I have learned that we are NEVER alone and that our Savior will always know how to succor us if we just ask. Prayer is essential to dealing with depression and I am so grateful to have prayer accessible to me whenever I need it.  I have learned that there is always hope through the Atonement and even though there may be times when life is dark, there is always light available through my Savior.  I will strive to remember that during the hard times and be ever grateful for the divine help I have to help me get through this trial.

Mental Health- Depression/Anxiety #10

“Many of us, in moments of personal anguish, feel that God is far from us. The pavilion that seems to intercept divine aid does not cover God but occasionally covers us. God is never hidden, yet sometimes we are, covered by a pavilion of motivations that draw us away from God and make Him seem distant and inaccessible.”
President Henry B. Eyring, "Where Is the Pavilion," General Conference October 2012

Mental Health- Depression/Anxiety #9

“Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more (Proverbs 3:11–12). He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain.”
Elder Richard G. Scott, "Trust In The Lord," General Conference October 1995

Mental Health- Depression/Anxiety #8

“No matter how difficult the trail … we can take comfort in knowing that others before us have borne life’s most grievous trials and tragedies by looking to heaven.”
Elder Russell M. Nelson, "You Have Nothing To Fear From the Journey," General Conference April 1997

Mental Health- Depression/Anxiety #7

"... I invite you to walk confidently and joyfully.  Yes, the road has bumps and detours and even some hazards. But don't focus on them.  Look for the happiness your Father in Heaven has prepared for you in every step of your journey.  Happiness is the destination, but it's also the path.  'Peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come' is what He promises.  That is why he commands us to 'be of good cheer.' "
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Your Wonderful Journey Home," General Conference April 2013

Mental Health- Depression/Anxiety #6

"Lift up your soul in prayer and explain to your Heavenly Father what you are feeling.  Acknowledge your shortcomings.  Pour out your heart and express your gratitude.  Let Him know of the trials you are facing.  Plead with Him in Christ's name for strength and support.  Ask that your ears may be opened, that you may hear his voice.  Ask that your eyes may be opened, that you may see His light."
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Hope of God's Light," General Conference April 2013

Mental Health- Depression/Anxiety #5

"She sought counseling and medical help and began to realize that, for her, the best path for healing was to understand and accept that darkness exists--but not to dwell there.  For, as she now knew, light also exists--and that is where she chose to dwell."
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Hope of God's Light," General Conference April 2013

Mental Health- Depression/Anxiety #4

"...even though we may feel lost in the midst of our current circumstances, God promises the hope of His light--He promises to illuminate the way before us and show us the way out of darkness."
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Hope of God's Light," General Conference April 2013

Mental Health- Depression/Anxiety #3

"When doubt or difficulty come, do not be afraid to ask for help....  The scriptures phrase such earnest desire as being of 'real intent,' pursued 'with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God.'  I testify that in response to that kind of importuning, God will send help from both sides of the veil to strengthen our belief."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lord, I Believe," General Conference April 2013

Mental Health- Depression/Anxiety #2

"In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won, even if the ground is limited....  When those moments come and issues surface, the resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional

knowledge comes.... The size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue- it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know." 

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lord, I Believe," General Conference April 2013

Mental Healthy- Depression/Anxiety #1

"When comparing one’s personal performance with the supreme standard of the Lord’s expectation, the reality of imperfection can at times be depressing. My heart goes out to conscientious Saints who, because of their shortcomings, allow feelings of depression to rob them of happiness in life.

We all need to remember: men are that they might have joy—not guilt trips!  We also need to

remember that the Lord gives no commandments that are impossible to obey. But sometimes we fail to comprehend them fully."

Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Perfection Pending," General Conference October 1995