I’m so grateful for Lizzy and Brian for taking the time to talk to me about their experience. I hope that their story touched you and that it helped you realize how common mental health issues are. I hope that you learned that there is a way back, no matter how far you think you’ve fallen. One of my favorite quotes ever is from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. He said, “However late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.” Please believe this.
My interview with Lizzy and her husband touched on many important issues that are plaguing our society right now. The main things we talked about were postpartum depression and psychosis, depression, suicide, and prescription drug abuse. Below is a list of resources that can help if you or anyone you love or care about it going through any of the things mentioned above.
If you have just had a baby and don’t feel right, PLEASE reach out to someone. Don’t be afraid to say, “I need some help.” “I don’t think I’m doing ok.” Talk to a friend, a neighbor, another mom, your family, your bishop, etc. Please. We need you. We want you to feel better. AND YOU CAN. THERE IS HOPE. THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP YOU.
Please read Lizzy’s Blog. CLICK HERE. Her voice is beautiful. Her feelings as she went through all of it are so inspiring. Here is an excerpt:
“The Atonement is all-encompassing, it worked for me in the depths of the trenches. It worked for me in the first part of my recovery when I wasn’t going to church, being with family or showing up fully for my loved ones. It worked for me when I decided that I wanted the Gospel in my life. It worked for me when wanting the Gospel in my life was hard. It worked for me as I was working toward getting my temple recommend back. It worked for me as I was trying to figure out how to rid myself of my imperfections and character weaknesses. Bottom line is it has and will work for any and all situations. It will work on any emotion, feeling, or behavior. The Atonement of my Savior Jesus Christ worked and works so perfectly for me. I can’t think of a more beautiful thing that it can and will work for than bringing two of Heavenly Father’s children back together. I thought I would never be able to be imperfect or flawless in the world around me. But here I am unapologetically living completely imperfect with the gift of the Atonement. This beautiful reconciling power allows me to show up as I am, and humbly ask those around me to accept that version.”
Click HERE for The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website.
- FindTreatment.gov Millions of Americans have a substance use disorder. Find a treatment facility near you.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline1-800-273-TALK (8255) Free and confidential support for people in distress, 24/7.
- Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator Find treatment facilities confidentially and anonymously, 24/7.
- National Helpline1-800-662-HELP (4357 ) Treatment referral and information, 24/7.
Click HERE for the Alcoholics Anonymous Website
Click HERE for the Narcotics Anonymous Website
Click HERE for a whole website that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has with many different talks, videos, and resources dealing with mental health issues. There is so much there!!
LDS Living Magazine had an article called 15 Powerful Resources for Battling depression. Find it HERE.
Here are a few talks and messages that may also be helpful.
And this is the talk I mentioned about how sometimes Satan works on our strengths as much as our weaknesses.
If you have any other resources or comments you can add a comment below or email me at comefollowmeforus@gmail.com