“Church Resources for Hope and Help,” Liahona, Apr. 2025.
Church Resources for Hope and Help
The Church provides many resources for those who are struggling with mental health challenges, as well as for their loved ones and leaders.
Illustrations by David Green
A therapist in Chile noticed that several people in her branch seemed depressed and lonely, especially during the winter months.
Meanwhile, when asked about challenges in her area of South Africa, a therapist mentioned addiction and economic difficulties.
And a therapist in Portugal brought up how social media pressure seems to be contributing to significant anxiety in the young people she knows.
Challenges like this exist pretty much everywhere, don’t they? True, some specific pressures and stressors might be unique to a culture or circumstance. But in many ways, the patterns of mental health challenges are universal.
“It is crucial to remember that we are living—and chose to live—in a fallen world where for divine purposes our pursuit of godliness will be tested and tried again and again,” said President Jeffrey R. Holland, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Understanding this, and knowing that Jesus Christ is the Master Healer, professionals within the Church have created mental health resources to help members connect with hope and help. These resources acknowledge both what we understand scientifically about mental health as well as what we understand spiritually about gospel truths.
Whether or not you currently struggle with feeling emotionally well, these resources are worth exploring. Chances are, someone in your sphere of influence does struggle from time to time. By understanding the situation and what help is available, you will be better equipped to be an answer to their prayers. And you’ll be strengthened in the process.
Life Help
In the Gospel Library, the Church provides many resources for those who are struggling, as well as for their loved ones and leaders.
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In the Gospel Library app, look for a tile labeled “Life Help.” Tap on that to display a variety of topics, including “Mental Health.”
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At ChurchofJesusChrist.org, look under “Libraries,” “Life Help,” and “Mental and Emotional Health.”
“Many factors can contribute to mental health challenges—genetics, environment, impairing accidents, life circumstances, and, at times, choices,” states one section. “Regardless of the contributing factors, we can draw strength from the Savior.”
In some languages, you’ll see links to crisis helplines around the world. Many countries now offer free, confidential services through phone calls or text messaging. Ward and branch leaders could encourage members to add these numbers to their list of contacts to be ready to use if they ever feel they are in crisis.
Additionally, this Life Help section shares real-life accounts of those who have found peace despite emotional and mental health challenges.
“One of the hardest things about mental illness is that you feel really isolated and alone,” said Eldon, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Connecting with therapists and medication, accepting love from friends, adjusting expectations, and being willing to embrace the Lord’s help have all been tools that Eldon practices as part of his wellness journey. “You can do more than you could do on your own if you rely on the Savior,” he said.
Self-Reliance Services
Have you ever been invited to participate in one of the self-reliance classes offered by the Church? These powerful group discussions address topics like personal finances, starting and growing a business, and gaining education for better employment. There’s also a class on emotional resilience.
You can find the workbook in the Gospel Library under “Books and Lessons,” “Self-Reliance Resources,” then “Finding Strength in the Lord: Emotional Resilience.” It has chapters on overcoming anger, understanding depression, developing healthy thinking patterns, and more.
For instance, in chapter 4, “Managing Stress and Anxiety,” you can find a video about how a sister named Olivia learned to combat perfectionism by trusting the Lord. “God’s grace is His ability to make up for everything that I’m not—His willingness to love me in all of my imperfections and all of my weaknesses,” Olivia said. “And I’m just holding on to that.”
You can ask your ward or branch leaders when this course will be held next in your area, or visit ChurchofJesusChrist.org/self-reliance to learn more.
Help from Other Church Members
Perhaps the greatest resource the Church has to offer is us! We can make sure we are building each other up instead of tearing one another down. One way to start is by evaluating our own assumptions and perhaps misunderstandings about mental illness.
“Mental health issues are often seen as a personal weakness or a family disgrace, which discourages individuals from seeking help,” said Yoonseok Kil, a Family Services therapist in Korea. “People are anxious that they will face social discrimination if they are found to have a mental health issue.”
Do we treat others with compassion, realizing that we don’t understand exactly what they are going through? Do we reach out in love, patiently walking with them even if the road is bumpy and uncertain? Do we look for the best in others instead of focusing on their weaknesses?
Church gives us plenty of opportunities to practice these Christlike qualities. Through serving in callings and ministering assignments, each of us has chances to both accept and give help throughout our lifetime. The structure of wards and branches ensures that we are never alone in our challenges.
“Local leaders are always there to provide support and encouragement to us when we reach out to them,” said Linda Opuene, a Family Services therapist in Nigeria. “They can provide spiritual guidance, prayerful support, and may offer insights or resources specific to our spiritual journey.”
Bishops may be able to help members connect with counseling through Family Services in some areas or refer people to local counselors whose practices align with gospel standards.
Sister Opuene wants to encourage those who struggle with mental health issues, even though they feel like they are doing everything they can to stay close to the Lord. “Hold fast to your faith in Christ and never doubt His love for you,” she said. “Your challenge with mental illness does not mean the Savior does not love you. He is mindful of your challenges.”
The Discussion Continues
This is the first of three articles this year on mental health resources. The June 2025 issue will share some personal resources we can call upon to help with mental health, and the August 2025 issue will discuss how supportive relationships can help. If you feel that therapy may be needed, consider reading “Finding a Mental Health Professional Who’s Right for You” (digital-only article), Liahona, Jan. 2019, in the Gospel Library.