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> ... Articles > Faith

Finding Hope on Your Mental Health Journey

by Rachel Peterson,  and Rebecca Workman
, March 25, 2024

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, learn what resources are available and what practices can help

mental health article header image
Many leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have shared about enduring and overcoming mental health challenges — an important topic given the fact that “one out of every two people in the world will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime.” 1
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Queensland Brain Institute, “Half of World’s Population Will Experience a Mental Health Disorder,” July 31, 2023, harvard.edu/news
 Following their counsel can help you better support yourself and others who may be struggling.

Anyone can struggle with mental health

mental health_1
Half the world will struggle with mental health in their lifetime

Do you ever feel hopeless or overwhelmed? While most people have these feelings occasionally, others can feel this way for a long time and start to feel like there is no way out. If this is you, you are not alone.

Sister Reyna I. Aburto said, “My dear friends, it can happen to any of us. … Like any part of the body, the brain is subject to illnesses, trauma, and chemical imbalances.” 2
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Reyna I. Aburto, “Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 57–58

Open up and seek help

Many people can help you find healing and hope: Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, friends and family, as well as medical and mental health professionals. 3
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Ibid
 If you seek professional help, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has said to “be honest with them” and “prayerfully and responsibly consider the counsel they give and the solutions they prescribe.” 4
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Jeffrey R. Holland, “Like a Broken Vessel,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 41

Being open about our trials lets others know how they can support us. In addition, sharing our experiences can help uplift and inspire those who are also struggling.

Remember Heavenly Father and the Savior are near

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The Savior can give you hope and strength when you need it most.
In one of BYU-Pathway’s most-viewed devotionals , journalist and author Jane Clayson Johnson said, “Depression can have a very real impact on the ability to feel the Spirit. … Fortunately, treatment can alleviate the physical and spiritual symptoms.” 5
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Jane Clayson Johnson, “Silent Souls Weeping — Changing the Conversation about Mental Health,” (BYU-Pathway Worldwide devotional, Dec. 10, 2019), byupathway.edu/speeches

If your hope is ever dimming, you can turn to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. Because of His Atonement, Jesus Christ understands your personal challenges. It’s powerful to think about the Redeemer of the world standing with you and supporting you — and He is! You can also pray to Heavenly Father — He is listening!

Even though you can’t see your Heavenly Parents and may struggle to feel Their presence when mental illness leaves you feeling numb, They are always near and They love you. President Thomas S. Monson said, “God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve [it]. It is simply always there.” 6
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Thomas S. Monson, “We Never Walk Alone,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov, 2013, 124

Share with compassion

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Express your love to help those who are struggling know they’re not alone.
Although mental health challenges are difficult, our experiences can give us empathy. Just as Christ felt our pains and sicknesses so He could know how to help us, 7
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See Alma 7:11–12
 we can use our growth through trials to support and serve others.Jane Clayson Johnson said, “Jesus didn’t heal [the lepers] by avoiding them. He waded right into the mess — with His help and with His hope. Leprosy is a disease that cannot be hidden — people are literally, physically falling apart. Mental health needs to be like that; it needs to be dragged into the light of day where we can see that people are sometimes falling apart and where those who are willing to wade in and help can do so.” 8
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Jane Clayson Johnson, “Silent Souls Weeping — Changing the Conversation about Mental Health,” (BYU-Pathway Worldwide devotional, Dec. 10, 2019), byupathway.edu/speeches

If you are struggling mentally or emotionally and need help, please use the resources available at byupathway.edu/student-wellness .

Article published on March 25, 2024

Tags

ChallengesAdvice/TipsBYU-Pathway WorldwidePersonal GrowthGrowth MindsetFaithHopeAtonementProphets and ApostlesDevotional