Did you know that 450 million people worldwide struggle with some form of mental illness (World Health Organization)?
For a year now, I have felt strongly to write this post. Now I know why. This year was the worst. For so many reasons. But even in a time of social distancing, we can come together online and be strong.
I hope you find something meaningful in this post. I have gathered a few thoughts and quotes to share. This is a difficult topic, and I have been praying to know the right words to share.
It's December, and while it is a time of great joy, it is also the the coldest, darkest time of the year. It's a wonderful time for so many people, with Christmas and happy memories with family and friends. But it can also be a hard and lonely time for those who are feeling loss or grief for many differing reasons. I felt to start writing this entry as a reminder that you matter, you have a purpose on this earth, and you are so loved.
There was a campaign on my college campus last December called "You Are Loved", and there is a popular trending hashtag of #youmatter all over the web. I even saw a tree at the Festival of Trees last year promoting this movement. Clearly, this is something needing more awareness and discussion. With the difficult year we have had, I feel mental health matters more than ever before.
Festival of Trees 2019
Mental health is a common topic of discussion, but are we really talking about it? Are we getting down to what's important? I'm not so sure. This post will try to break the surface on the many stigmas about mental health. I have a lot of ideas bouncing around my head, but I want to start with sharing a journal entry I wrote two years ago this past August. I wrote it as a testament of God's love, even when we cannot feel it.
"Life gets tough. It's not meant to be easy. [But] we are all here in this together, trying to “adjust” from leaving heaven and our heavenly parents [and missing our heavenly home]. It’s not easy for anyone. I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven who has a better and bigger plan than I do, and who patiently guides me where I am meant to be. He and my Savior know me better than anyone, and they know my fears and struggles and uncertainties; yet, they also know my potential and how to best enable me to realize it. They want me to succeed—they want us all to succeed. One of my favorite quotes is by Bishop Gary E. Stevenson, 'I express my utmost confidence in your abilities. You have the Savior of the world on your side. If you seek His help and follow His directions, how can you fail?' We were not sent here to fail, but to succeed gloriously."
I love that entry. It has brought me peace many times. This is a fast-paced world, and I think we need this reminder of God's love and active presence in our lives more than ever before. I hope this speaks peace to your heart and brings you comfort as we continue to face the challenges ahead. Whether you have a mental illness, know someone who has one, or are just wondering what you can do to help, this is for you: Stay close to the Spirit and I promise you, you will know, when the time is right, what you should say and do, even in the exact moment you need it (D&C 100:6).
This topic of mental health is one that is very close to my heart. I have dealt with generalized anxiety since I was a young child. At times, it is utterly debilitating. Social situations are especially hard, and COVID-19 hasn't helped. With anxiety, it's easy for me to self-isolate and stay home. There are many reasons to feel fear and uncertainty. During this time of crisis, we need each other more than ever. We need social connections. So I am encouraging everyone to find healthy and safe ways to connect. Your mental health matters.
Something I've been thinking about lately is why so many people are allowed to suffer for so long. Why are there no cures? Why are so many faithful saints suffering, with no healing? I have a quote that has brought me some answers.
"Is there not wisdom in his giving us trials that we might rise above them, responsibilities that we might achieve, work to harden our muscles, sorrows to try our souls? Are we not exposed to temptations to test our strength, sickness that we might learn patience, death that we might be immortalized and glorified?
"If all the sick for whom we pray were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled... No man would have to live by faith...
"Should all prayers be immediately answered according to our selfish desires and our limited understanding, then there would be little or no suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or even death, and if these were not, there would also be no joy, success, resurrection, nor eternal life and godhood" (Tragedy or Destiny BYU address, President Kimball).
"The Savior’s suffering in Gethsemane and His agony on the cross redeem us from sin by satisfying the demands that justice has upon us. He extends mercy and pardons those who repent. The Atonement also satisfies the debt justice owes to us by healing and compensating us for any suffering we innocently endure" (emphasis added).
Did you catch that? The Atonement covers everything, from our mortal weaknesses and sins to the suffering we innocently endure. Mental illness falls under that promise. The Savior felt your pain, your mental anguish, your fears. And because of that, He knows what it is like to suffer. He understands your individual suffering.
I believe much of Christ's suffering was mental anguish. He also felt all the physical pains we will ever endure. He understands. He knows you and the sorrows you face. He loves you more than you know.
Another great talk for reference on mental health is "Like a Broken Vessel" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. If you or a loved one are suffering from mental or emotional challenges, this one is for you.
"As I was listening to [this talk], the last few paragraphs stood out to me unlike they had before. These words are incredibly powerful and meaningful to me during a time when life feels very chaotic with the end of the semester, switching majors, and the decisions I need to make in this upcoming new year." I hope they bring you comfort too.
And finally, here is the quote by Sister Eubank that had such a profound influence on me:
"I testify you are beloved. The Lord knows how hard you are trying. You are making progress. Keep going. He sees all your hidden sacrifices and counts them to your good and the good of those you love. Your work is not in vain. You are not alone. His very name, Emmanuel, means “God with us.” He is surely with you" (Christ: The Light That Shines in Darkness, Sister Eubank, April 2019 General Conference).
I echo her words. God is with you. You are loved. You are going to be okay.
Author's note:
This is such a poignant post! Thank you so much for all your insights and research! That's so neat that there was a campaign on your campus called "You Are Loved". I actually wrote a song with that very title! If anyone is interested, here it is:
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I love this! I would love to hear about toxic perfectionism.
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