Missionary Journal & Depression

[_beastie]

http://www.bycommonconsent.com/2006/01/ ... epression/

This is a very insightful essay by an LDS woman who struggles with depression. Here are a couple of excerpts:

I rarely talk about my experiences to members of the Church (except for friends I have who have also struggled with mental illness–somehow birds of a feather flock together) and have never spoken to a Bishop about them. This is because I am afraid that people would not understand. I am afraid people will assume that I have brought this upon myself through sin. I have heard so many people say things like, “If you are faithful, you will be happy,” or “If you pray, you can be healed,” and I am not doubting that this can be the case for some people, but it has not yet worked for me.

I do not believe it is because I have been unfaithful or that I have removed myself from the scope of God’s mercy and love through sin. It is hard enough to deal with this without feeling judgment and misunderstanding from other people. I read Elder Alexander Morrison’s book, “Valley of Sorrow: A Layman’s Guide to Mental Illness,” and was so grateful that finally someone in the Church had said something that made me feel as though it wasn’t my fault that I am the way I am. I recommend the book.

(my emphasis)

t was (and is) very shameful for me to know that I was struggling with a mental illness. Growing up as a part of a Church that asked for its members to strive for perfection, I felt deeply flawed. I felt as though I were a failure, and that being mentally ill made me a disappointment to my family and to my God. This has made it extremely difficult to turn to either my family or my God with this particular problem, because I feel so ashamed of myself for not being “normal” or “whole.” For not being able to meet the demands of life. I feel ungrateful and unworthy. I still see my depression (and some of its effects, such as attempted suicide) as sinful. I don’t know how to talk about something that feels so far from the Gospel with people who are a part of the Church. Furthermore, I feel like one way to describe depression is an inability to feel the Spirit (or to feel love or peace). Though I believe that the Spirit brings us joy and comfort, I think that depression (and other mental illnesses) act as a block against or minimization of the effects of the Spirit. It is very isolating and lonely to be cut off from this.

[_beastie]

I had thought that the LDS culture was becoming more open to professional counseling - yet on the mormonwiki article about depression, professional counseling is not suggested. LDS counseling is suggested - at the bottom of the list.

* A person being kind to himself and understanding his infinite worth to Heavenly Father helps him overcome depression. Marvin J. Ashton counseled those suffering from depression to “not doubt your abilities. Do not delay your worthy impressions. With God's help, you cannot fail. He will give you the courage to participate in meaningful change and purposeful living.”
* A Mormon doctrine called the Word of Wisdom can help fight depression. This health code involves eating a healthy diet (little meat, whole grains, many fruits and vegetables, no coffee or tea) but no harmful or addictive substances like illegal drugs, tobacco, and alcohol (a known depressant). In addition, it encourages physical exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, which contribute to emotional health and stability. Using the advice of a physician, including taking recommended medication, either on a temporary or on-going basis, may be necessary to handle depression.
* Mormons have discovered that prayer and service lift their spirits and increase their self-esteem and feeling of power or control. Taking the focus off of themselves also helps put their problems in perspective and makes them feel they are not singled out for challenges. A day of service makes them feel useful and significant to others. “At the moment of depression, if you will follow a simple program, you will get out of it. Get on your knees and get the help of God, then get up and go find somebody who needs something you can help them with. Then it will be a good day.”
* Understanding Satan's role may help a depressed person overcome the evil influence. “Satan wants us to feel unequal to our worldly tasks. If we turn to God, He will lead us through our darkest hours.” Ashton counsels to not “let your discouragement make Satan rejoice.” Mormons believe that Satan and his followers delight in the unhappiness that they heap on the heads of Christ's disciples, and so they do not want to cooperate with nor reward the adversary.
* Reading about people in the scriptures who have handled adversity well helps lift the spirits of many Mormons. Lorenzo Snow, a Mormon prophet, said “If the Apostle Peter had become discouraged at his manifest failure to maintain the position that he had taken to stand by the Savior under all circumstances, he would have lost all; whereas, by repenting and persevering, he lost nothing but gained all. . . . “ Paul is another great example of not yielding to discouragement because he suffered all manner of physical and other ills yet refused to give into the temptation to feel sorry for himself. Of course, Christ is the best example of all as He constantly reminds men of the hope they have in Him.
* Repenting of sinful behavior will help overcome depression. Sin, Mormons believe, is destructive to not only others but to self. No one can engage in wrongful behavior without hurting himself, often manifested in depression.
* Fasting, doing without food and water for a limited period of time, can increase the power of a person's petitions for relief from negative feelings.
* Mormons often seek the strengthening and nurturing ordinances within the temple to help them fight depression.
* Mormons also request priesthood blessings to help them fight depression. These blessings can give comfort, guidance, cast out the influence of Lucifer, and even cure.
* Depressed members can get counseling services by going to ldsfamilyservices.org to find the nearest LDS Family Services office near them. They're located throughout the United States, as well as in Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Mexico also has a new office that is gradually setting up various services. These offices provide out-patient services for a fee (in the U.S., approximately $60-70 a session of 50 minutes). Occasionally members who cannot afford fees may be fortunate enough to have them waived if qualified professional counselors who are members of their stake will counsel them privately. Members should also seek out depression support groups.

http://www.mormonwiki.com/Depression

[_antishock8]

What's disheartening, as observed by some of the Mormon posters here, is the perception that depression is considered a personal shortcoming, rather than a legitimate mental/emotional/physiological state that needs professional attention. Instead, we're treated with glib and inhumane comments toward those who suffer terribly. What a shame that some Mormons on this thread chose to be callous, when they constantly hold their faith up to be a paragon of virtue, sympathy, and a path toward happiness.

[_truth dancer]

I suppose what one ought to do is go back and actually see what has been taught concerning depression through the official church magazines and other print media. Go to the official church web site. Type "depression" into the search box feature. You'll get quite a mix of articles approaching depression from all sorts of angles. Search result number one will give you ETB's point of view. Skip along to some other links in the list and you'll get a wider range of views/helps. Number six in the list is a good place to start. Five is good...so is four...ah heck, there's a bunch of good stuff! 1459 opportunities to really find out what's been said/written concerning depression.

As I've mentioned before on this list, there are those that really do take a narrow and restricted view of things and fail to widen their scope of understanding.

This is a perfect example.

Hi MG... it doesn't matter what is or is not official doctrine. What matters is what is being taught, what is believed, what is considered truth by members of the church. Did you read what Nehor had to say?

I have heard this teaching time and time again over the years. Official doctrine or not, it is what is taught and believed. Bishops try to play therapist, members are taught that they have sinned or Satan is leading them into depression, they are counseled to pray, go to the temple, repent, or some other such nonsense.

People suffering from depression need professional help not more fasting and guilt.

~dancer~

[_Jason Bourne]

Do you have evidence that the GAs are attempting to rectify this very common "incomplete understanding"?

Alexander Morrison a member of the 70 wrote this book in 2003:

Valley of Sorrow: A Layman's Guide to Understanding Mental Illness

Writing from the perspective of a father with a close family member who has for many years been afflicted with a chronic mental illness, Alexander B. Morrison writes: "I assure you that Latter-day Saints are in no way exempt from the burden of mental illness, either as victim, caregiver, family member, or friend. In every ward and stake there are severely depressed men and women; elderly people with failing memories and reduced intellectual capacities; youth or adults struggling to escape the dark specter of suicide; persons of all ages, both sexes, and every walk of life, who exhibit aberrant, even bizarre behavior."

Despite such problems, there is hope. In this helpful book, Elder Morrison uses laymen's terms to explain the causes, course, effects, and treatment of such debilitating diseases as anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. In doing so, he lifts the stigma and dispels the myths and misconceptions so often associated with mental illness.

Recommending a balanced approach to treatment, including prayer, priesthood blessings, professional counseling, and prescribed medication, Elder Morrison offers hope and welcome encouragement to those who suffer from these painful, widely misunderstood, and destructive afflictions.

http://deseretbook.com/store/product?sku=4581757

[_Jason Bourne]

The teaching that depression is caused by sin, (or even Satan as I have heard many times), was rampant in the LDS church, official doctrine or not. (sigh)

I have often stated that there are some nice teachings in the LDS church but also some very damaging ones... the idea that depression is a sin and through repentance and prayer God will take it away is one of the most damaging of all.

I think it unfair to say the Church has promoted that all depression is caused by sin. I think it fair to say that there are teachings the sin can be a cause of depression. But I do not think it has been taught that ALL depression is caused by sion.

Depression is a medical illness requiring professional help, not repentance, snake oil, midnight rituals, or an animal sacrifice over the alter.

Some is and some is not.

I have spoken with dozens of LDS women (a few men) over the years who have taken this "depression is the result of sin" teaching to heart, only to suffer in silence, trying to figure out what they are doing wrong, praying with all their heart, only to slide deeper into depression, feeling more and more unworthy. To all those who still believe this nonsense, guess what... prayer and repentance didn't work.

I agree that some LDS have done this. I agree that the constant emphasis on obedience and striving for perfection, doing more. being the ideal mom or dad and on and on can exacerbate depression is people especially those prone to it for whatever reason.

Not to derail the thread but it is completely inappropriate for Bishops and other church leaders to play therapist. I don't care if the issue is abuse, marriage difficulties, or depression, they often do much more harm than good.

Bishops should counsel about the spiritual aspects these problems can bring and send the person or couple to a good therapist for the therapy issues. I think a smart bishop working in conjunction with a good therapist can work wonders when each takes on their proper role.

[_Bond...James Bond]

Bond has written an excellent article on this issue, as a sufferer of depression, himself. Everyone should read this article. It is very well-written:

Yes, bond's essay is very insightful. It demonstrates that the stigmatization of depression is not unique to the LDS culture by any means. However, in my experience, adding the component of religious guilt on top of the already present stigma is even more harmful.

Yeah there is secular stigma "don't be a pussy, man up Bond" from my macho friends, stigma which is shame based, based on external factors. Religious stigma is shame [externally] and guilt [internally] based. And I think the inside stuff is worst, because it never stops! You can go in your room and lock the door on your parents or spouse or whatever, but you can't silence the voices in your mind saying "man up Bond, stop being a pussy!".

The Internal guilt process goes back to being the most effective [read my thoughts on Foucault, God and the Watcher for more] because it can never be blocked out. Drink till you're crap faced and you'll still have the depressing effects in the morning. Sleep 12 hours a day and when you wake up the voices are still there. Do anything, and the self doubt and self loathing is still there.

I'll write a whole post up on this issue tonight folks. I'll post a link when I get it done I guess...

[_truth dancer]

I think it unfair to say the Church has promoted that all depression is caused by sin. I think it fair to say that there are teachings the sin can be a cause of depression. But I do not think it has been taught that ALL depression is caused by sion.

My experience in the church was, until recently exactly that; depression is the result of sin and/or the influence of Satan. I heard this over and over and over.

In my previous stake it was so common a teaching, and there was such a problem with depression that another LDS counselor in our stake actually addressed the Stk High Counsel to help them understand depression hoping to get them to spread the word and stop teaching this nonsense.

It was a serious problem. As I stated, I do think the church is releasing this teaching to some degree but it is still there, evidence, Nehor. :-(

You are more enlightened than most Jason! ;-)

~dancer~

[_TygerFang]

I think it unfair to say the Church has promoted that all depression is caused by sin. I think it fair to say that there are teachings the sin can be a cause of depression. But I do not think it has been taught that ALL depression is caused by sion.

My experience in the church was, until recently exactly that; depression is the result of sin and/or the influence of Satan. I heard this over and over and over.

In my previous stake it was so common a teaching, and there was such a problem with depression that another LDS counselor in our stake actually addressed the Stk High Counsel to help them understand depression hoping to get them to spread the word and stop teaching this nonsense.

It was a serious problem. As I stated, I do think the church is releasing this teaching to some degree but it is still there, evidence, Nehor. :-(

You are more enlightened than most Jason! ;-)

~dancer~

You know I agree with you dancer, and I've been taught that sin and satan are the causes of depression all the time. I can only imagin the effects it's had on people who are suffering from depression who are also faithful Mormons.

[_Bond...James Bond]

Here's what I came up with:
http://zackc.wordpress.com/2008/06/18/d ... and-shame/

Here's the original post liz linked too:
http://zackc.wordpress.com/2008/06/17/s ... epression/