Physical and Emotional Health: Lesson 185

Coping with Sadness and Depression

Jesus Christ Will Carry Our Grief and Pain

Heavenly Father knew this mortal life would bring moments of sadness, discouragement, disappointment, and depression. He sent His Son to experience everything we would suffer, with a promise that His power could help us find rest (see Matthew 11:28–30). This lesson can help students understand how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will help them endure feelings of sadness and depression.

Student preparation: Invite students to find a scripture or quote from a Church leader that could help someone focus on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ when they feel sad or depressed. They could prepare to share their scripture with the class.

Possible Learning Activities

The burdens of our lives

Note: You do not need to be a mental health expert to teach this lesson. Pray for Heavenly Father’s guidance, follow the lesson materials, and trust the Holy Ghost. If students share the personal struggles they face or ask questions you cannot address, reassure them that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love them. Encourage them to seek additional counsel from parents, Church leaders, school counselors, or other emotional health professionals.

Consider beginning class by displaying a picture of hikers walking a mountain path. Invite students to discuss how this could be like our earthly journey. Then ask students to imagine one hiker had to carry a heavy backpack throughout their travels.

• How might the heavy backpack increase the difficulty of the journey? How could it be a blessing?

You could then ask students to share some of the emotional “backpacks” teenagers might be carrying today. After students share, explain that this lesson will focus on the feelings of sadness or depression we sometimes carry through life.

Even challenging emotions such as sadness and depression are normal parts of our mortal journey. Like a heavy backpack, difficult feelings can make our journey seem daunting, but these emotions can also help us to be sensitive and have compassion for others who struggle.

In your study journal, record how feelings of sadness and depression may be affecting your life now or if they have in the past.

Jesus Christ knows exactly how we feel

Remind students that ancient and modern prophets have taught that the Savior can help us endure all difficult feelings.

Read Isaiah 53:3–5 and Alma 7:11–12, looking for truths about the Savior’s power to help us when we are sad, discouraged, or depressed.

• Which words or phrases stand out to you?

• How could this help someone who is struggling to endure the weight of these emotional burdens?

Knowing that Heavenly Father’s children would suffer in this life, President Russell M. Nelson said:

I plead with you to come unto [Jesus Christ] so that He can heal you! … He will heal you from sadness and fear. He will heal you from the wounds of this world.

Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Learn more about His Atonement, His love, His mercy, His doctrine, and His restored gospel of healing and progression. Turn to Him! Follow Him! (“The Answer is Always Jesus Christ,” Liahona, May 2023, 127)

• How would you summarize what you learned from Isaiah, Alma, and President Nelson about dealing with burdens such as sadness and sorrow?

  Among other things students might share, help them identify a truth like: As we come unto Him, the Savior will help us carry the burdens of sadness and sorrow.

  Students might benefit from the Come Unto Christ Facebook videos “Because Jesus Christ died …” (1:06) or “Rise,” (1:42) from ComeUntoChrist/facebook.com.

• What could it mean to “come unto Him,” “turn to Him,” and “follow Him” for someone seeking the Savior’s help with sadness, discouragement, or depression?

• How do you think understanding this truth could help someone who is struggling with these feelings?

Invite the Holy Ghost to help you recognize ways the Savior is personally ministering to you as you deal with sadness, grief, or any other emotional burden.

With the Savior, we can endure

The story of the prophet Elijah can help us identify ways the Savior helps us endure emotional challenges.

Consider displaying a picture of Elijah alone on the mountainside. As students listen to the following details from the story, invite them to imagine how they might have felt in a similar situation.

After Elijah condemned the false prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel (see 1 Kings 18), the wicked queen Jezebel sought to have him killed. The Lord warned Elijah, who fled into the wilderness alone (see 1 Kings 19:1–3).

• What emotions might you have felt in this situation?

Read 1 Kings 19:4, looking for how Elijah felt.

To help students identify ways the Lord helped Elijah and can help them manage feelings of sadness and depression, give each student a copy of the handout “The Lord Helps Us Endure.” Invite students to work individually, together with a partner, or in a group, and follow the instructions on the handout.

Following the handout activity, you might invite willing students to share what they learned. You could provide an opportunity for them to help other members of the class by asking the following question.

• What are some other ways you have seen Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ help you or someone you know cope with emotional burdens?

Consider inviting students to share a favorite scripture, hymn, or image that has helped them rely on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ when they are sad or depressed.

1 Kings 19:4 might create questions about self–harm or suicide. These subjects should always be taken seriously. Remind students they are acting in faith in Jesus Christ when they tell someone what they are feeling. Additional resources about depression and suicide prevention can be found in Gospel Library and in the Supplemental Learning Activities in the online version of this manual.

Share what you have felt

Note: Help students understand that, even with the Lord’s tender, loving, and constant care, sometimes difficult emotions persist. Depression may sometimes get in the way of our ability to feel the Savior’s love or to recognize the help of the Holy Ghost.

In your study journal, select one or more of the following to complete:

1. Write down something you learned or felt today that could help you rely on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ when you feel sad or depressed.

2. Write down a scripture passage that could help you when you feel sad or depressed (such as Isaiah 53:3–5; Psalm 34:18; or Alma 7:11–12). How could words or phrases from this passage help you feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

3. If you had a friend who was sad or depressed, what would you want this person to understand about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and what you learned today? Write down what you would share.

Students might benefit from President Jeffrey R. Holland’s message about how to help those who struggle with depression. Consider showing the video “Mental Health: Compassion for Those Who Struggle” (2:26) available in Gospel Library. In this video, President Holland reminds us that no amount of self–will can solve severe depression. Seeking professional help is key to healing our mental health issues along with the support and compassion of others.

You might conclude with an experience when the Lord helped you cope with challenging emotions.

Additional Resources

Does the Savior know how I’m feeling?

President Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reminded us:

Maybe it’s hard for you to believe that Jesus would be interested in helping you as only one among millions who are the same age. If you ever think He has better things to do than strengthen you in your times of need, think of Him in that garden, think of Him on that cross. “He suffered, he bled and died” for you because He knew that you were worth it. He still knows that. He is extremely interested, willing, and able to help you—right now and forever. He gave His life so He can strengthen you as you accept His life-changing invitation: “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28). (“Find Your Strength in Jesus Christ,” For the Strength of Youth, Mar. 2024, 5)

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:

The Savior can, better than anyone else, heal the effects of any challenging circumstances of mortality. On certain occasions, we may not be immediately healed physically from our pain or sickness, but we can be spiritually healed as we receive strength, understanding, and patience to bear the burdens placed upon us. So as we turn our heart to our Savior, He will work wonders in our lives. (“Enduring Trials” [worldwide devotional for young adults, Feb. 18, 2024], broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

Where can I learn more about sadness, depression, and suicide prevention?

• “Dealing with Depression”

• “Mourn With Those That Mourn: Hope Works” (time code 2:20 to 5:55)

• “Suicide Prevention and Ministering” at ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Supplemental Learning Activities

The Savior experienced sorrow

Consider beginning class by displaying the following question on the board, “When was a time that you cried, and why?” Give students a few moments to ponder the experience that comes to mind. Remind the class that there are several examples in scripture of the Savior openly weeping. Then display the following images.

Invite students to select one of the following scripture passages, looking for what we learn about the Savior. It may be helpful to read the chapter heading to understand the context of the Savior’s experience.

• John 11:32–35

• Matthew 26:36–39

• 3 Nephi 17:14–16

Invite students to share with a partner or small group what they learned. If you think students would benefit from knowing when they or someone they know may be more than sad and need additional help, you could share the following.

When It’s More Than Sadness

Showing empathy to those who grieve

Students might benefit from discussing some of the ways we can minister to someone who is suffering. Share that following the Savior’s example, we show love first and foremost.

Invite students to read Job 2:11–13, looking for what it teaches us about caring for those who are sad or suffering.

Consider sharing that because we do not know exactly how that person is feeling (even when we have gone through something similar), we can share statements that show love and compassion (empathy). You might have students practice responding to someone who is suffering.

Statements such as the following help communicate empathy:

• “I don’t know what to say, but I want you to know you are loved by many, including me.”

• “You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to, but I’m here to listen if you do.”

• “It’s OK to have different feelings from one day, or one moment, to the next.”

• “There’s no one right way to feel. Let yourself experience emotions as they come.”

• “I love you, and I’m praying for you.”

Share with students that, although they responded well at first, Job’s friends were less helpful later as he continued to struggle (see Job 4).

Help students understand that some well-intended statements may not be helpful to someone who is grieving. You might review some less helpful statements such as:

• “It’s part of God’s plan.”

• “At least …” (“At least they didn’t suffer.”)

• “You should …” or “You will …”

• “I had a similar experience.”

• “Things will get better with time.”

For additional help on ministering to those who grieve see, “Grief and Loss” in Counseling Resources at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.