In this week’s episode, I talked about how we can choose to follow God and choose to have his light in our lives. But I want to stress the realness of metal illness. I went through times in my life when, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t feel that light in my life. I would pray and fast and get blessings and still, things felt pretty dark. It wasn’t until I went to the doctor and got on some medication that I was finally able to feel peace and God’s love again. The clouds lifted. If you are doing the things to bring you closer to God, repenting and searching for his light, especially in the pages of the Book of Mormon and you just can’t feel it, please talk to someone. Please seek medical help. The Lord wants us to be happy. He designed us to be happy. And sometimes, our rotten physical bodies get sick, including our minds and we need help. You aren’t failing if you ask for help. You aren’t failing if you get on medication. You are winning!! God created genius people and medical miracles to help heal us. Trust that! Jeffrey R Holland said, “If things continue to be debilitating, seek the advice of reputable people with certified training, professional skills, and good values. Be honest with them about your history and your struggles. Prayerfully and responsibly consider the counsel they give and the solutions they prescribe. If you had appendicitis, God would expect you to seek a priesthood blessing and get the best medical care available. So too with emotional disorders. Our Father in Heaven expects us to use all of the marvelous gifts He has provided in this glorious dispensation.”
This was an episode of mine where I addressed some mental health issues last year.
Thank you for sending those videos / Talks about Mental Illness, I have struggled with anxiety and Depression for years. I was diagnosed with cancer about 9 years ago and I am now Cancer free but Since I have had Severe Anxiety and some Depression. I take medication for it but the side affects are some times unbearable, I was going to go off and just deal with the Anxiety and Depression but I decided not to when I listened to the talk you sent by Jeffrey R Holland. Thank you, this really helped me.
Melanie,
I’ve been putting off writing to you for TOO long. Can’t even remember how I discovered your podcast last year, but I was so excited that I remembered you from Richmond, VA! I think my husband was graduating from medical school about the same time you guys had just moved there – Heidi and Adam Marberger were in our ward (richmond which became glen allen) – maybe you were in a different ward (can’t remember). . . Anyway we have two things in common – both served in japan and both helped husbands through school in Richmond – but I don’t expect you to remember.
I really want to tell you a few things: 1)Don’t apologize for becoming emotional – people listen to this podcast because you are YOU – you are so real and sincere and whoever doesn’t like that will just go elsewhere 2) Don’t apologize for not being able to explain all the Isaiah chapters (or anything else for that matter) Again, people are listening to this for the strengths you DO have 3) Thank you thank you forever and ever for being an example of seeking and following inspiration from the HOly Ghost, no matter how difficult. You’ve inspired me and I’m trying to do this better each day.
One talk you attached to a recent podcast led me to also listen to the next talk in that conference, which was this:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media-library/video/2015-04-2080-elder-michael-t-ringwood?lang=eng
This talk addresses something that I’ve noticed and been concerned about for a LONG time. – Some of the most faithful, valiant servants of God are the LEAST recognized, even at church. I want to keep seeking out these kinds of people, showing appreciation for their service and following their humble examples.
Love your guts sister!
shannon thornton