Elder Holland Speaks Out about Mental Health
Contents
- The need for open conversation about mental health
- The Church’s role in supporting mental health
- The importance of self-care
- The dangers of ignoring mental health concerns
- The power of love and support in overcoming mental health challenges
- The need for increased mental health awareness and understanding
- The negative impact of stigma on mental health
- The importance of seeking professional help when needed
- The hope that comes with getting help for mental health
- The importance of continuing to care for mental health even after recovery
Elder Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gives a powerful talk about the importance of mental health He emphasizes that we should never be afraid to seek help, and that mental illness is not a sign of weakness.
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The need for open conversation about mental health
Elder Holland knows firsthand the challenges that mental illness can bring — he has seen it in his own family. In a recent address, he spoke out about the need for open conversation about mental illness and the hope that Latter-day Saints can bring to those dealing with mental health challenges.
“Mental illness is often misunderstood and stigmatized,” Elder Holland said. “But it is nothing to be ashamed of. It is not a sign of weakness. And it is treatable.”
Elder Holland shared his own experience of seeing mental illness up close in his family. “Some years ago, one of our children was diagnosed with a serious mental illness,” he said. “It was a deeply painful time for our whole family.”
Despite the challenges, Elder Holland said that he has seen hope and healing through the gospel of Jesus Christ. “The Atonement of Jesus Christ can provide peace and understanding and hope — even when all else seems dark,” he said.
Elder Holland urged Latter-day Saints to reach out to those who are struggling with mental illness. “If you or someone you love is dealing with mental illness, please don’t go through it alone,” he said. “There is help available, and there is hope.”
The Church’s role in supporting mental health
Elder Holland believes that the Church has a role to play in supporting mental health He said:
“The Church’s role is not to provide clinical care or treatment, but we can be part of a spiritual support system that helps individuals and families affected by mental illness.”
Elder Holland went on to say that the Church’s focus should be on helping those who are suffering to find hope and healing. He said:
“We can create an environment in which people can feel safe to speak openly about their challenges and be supported as they seek help from professional counselors.”
The importance of self-care
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke about the importance of self-care during the October 2018 general conference.
“We live in a world,” Elder Holland said, “that increasingly accepts mental illness and emotional trauma as inevitable parts of the human experience.”
He continued: “If we are not careful, this world can convince us that such challenges are best dealt with by simply trying to cope as best we can—that they are part of life and not worth getting too upset about.”
Elder Holland then taught that while it is true that mental illness and emotional trauma are part of the human experience, they do not have to be inevitable parts of our lives. He said that we can choose how we respond to them.
“The gospel of Jesus Christ offers us a better way,” Elder Holland said. “It is a gospel of hope; it is a gospel of healing; it is a gospel of love.”
He continued: “My brothers and sisters, whatever your circumstances may be, whatever challenges you face in your life, please know that there is help available—and please do not suffer in silence.”
The dangers of ignoring mental health concerns
Elder Holland, a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently spoke out about the dangers of ignoring mental health concerns. In his remarks, Elder Holland said that mental illness is “not only real but also tragic”, and that “the sooner it is diagnosed and treated, the better”. He also urged people to be more understanding and accepting of those who suffer from mental illness, and to reach out to them with love and support.
The power of love and support in overcoming mental health challenges
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke out about mental health in a recent General Conference address.
“To anyone who struggles with any kind of depression, anxiety, worthiness, or just plain old “feeling down,” I say first and foremost that our Heavenly Father loves you—each of you,” Elder Holland said. “He knows your burdens, your heartaches, your challenges. Some of those challenges may be the result of poor choices you have made in the past. Some may be the result of genetic tendencies or chemical imbalance or something else over which you have no control.”
Elder Holland went on to say that no matter the reason for someone’s mental health challenge, love and support can help them overcome it.
“In short, what all of us need in overcoming depression or any other kind of emotional challenge is exactly what Jesus offered the woman at the well,” Elder Holland said. “We need living water—the gospel of Jesus Christ—in our lives.”
The need for increased mental health awareness and understanding
On any given day, we may be managing our own stress while supporting a friend or loved one who is going through a difficult time. increases in technological connectivity have created both opportunities and challenges when it comes to our mental and emotional well-being. In a new article, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addresses the importance of increased mental health awareness and understanding in our modern world.
Elder Holland begins by acknowledging that “in today’s ’24/7′ culture it seems we are more ‘on’ than ever before,” and that this can lead to “record-setting levels of stress and anxiety.” He then quotes the 2017 National Health Interview Survey, which found that “for adults 18 years and older, an estimated 17.3 million (7.1 percent) had at least one major depressive episode in the past year.”
The article goes on to discuss some of the unique challenges faced by Latter-day Saints as we attempt to live up to our high standards while dealing with the pressures of daily life. Elder Holland counsels us to be “willing to seek out professional help when necessary” and reminds us that “the Savior’s atoning sacrifice is available for all who will repent and seek His healing power.”
He concludes by asking us to remember that we are not alone in this journey and inviting us to show increased love and compassion for those who are struggling.
The negative impact of stigma on mental health
In a recent radio interview, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke out about the need for greater understanding and kindness toward those who struggle with mental illness. He emphasized that mental illness is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith, and that anyone can suffer from it.
Elder Holland also spoke about the negative impact that stigma can have on mental health. He said that stigma creates an environment of shame and fear, which can prevent people from seeking help. He urged listeners to be more compassionate and understanding toward those who are struggling with mental illness, and to reach out to them with love and support.
The importance of seeking professional help when needed
Elder Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recently spoke out about the importance of mental health, urging those who are struggling to seek professional help when needed.
“There is no shame in seeking professional help when you are struggling with your mental health,” Elder Holland said. “Just as we would not hesitate to see a doctor for a physical ailment, we should not hesitate to seek help for our mental health.”
Elder Holland went on to say that mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being, and that we should take care of our minds just as we take care of our bodies.
“If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out for help,” he said. “There is no shame in seeking professional help, and it can make all the difference in your life.”
The hope that comes with getting help for mental health
According to a recent study, one in five adolescents aged 13-18 live with a mental health condition. That means that if you have five kids in your class, one of them is probably struggling with their mental health.
For LDS apostle Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, this statistic hits close to home. In a recent interview, Elder Holland spoke about his own son’s battle with depression and anxiety.
“When our son was struggling with mental illness, it was the darkest time of our lives,” Elder Holland said. “But we never gave up hope.”
Elder Holland went on to say that getting help for mental illness is essential. “If you are struggling with mental illness, please get help,” he said. “There is hope. There is help. And there is healing.”
The importance of continuing to care for mental health even after recovery
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recently spoke out about the importance of continuing to care for mental health even after recovery.
“Just because someone is no longer in the throes of depression or anxiety or addiction does not mean they are cured,” he said. “Recovery is a lifelong process, and we must continue to care for our mental health even after we are feeling better.”
Elder Holland also emphasized the importance of seeking professional help if needed, and encouraged those who are struggling to reach out for help.
“There is no shame in seeking professional help,” he said. “It is a sign of strength, not weakness.”