Look Who it Was Random video

Depression, Mormonism, and Faith Transitions Pt. 3 | Ep. 932

1,962 views · Published 28 May 2018 · 53:29 · Indexed 1 November 2026

Channel: Mormon Stories Podcast · 2018 · Education

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In light of a statement on LDS.org declaring, “An inability to feel the spirit … is often a symptom of poor mental health,” Natasha Helfer Parker, MFT CST and John Dehlin, Ph.D. are joined by our guest Matt to speak about his experiences with Mormon faith crises, depression, and suicidality—issues he has dealt with for 20 years.

According to Matt, it makes him angry to read that his struggles were a trial, test, or blessing from God, or that he could have been healed if he had more faith, prayed, or hadn’t “sinned.” Matt believes that religious observance is not a cure for mental health illness, and in these episodes, Natasha and John discuss how Mormonism, and in particular a faith transition in the context of Mormonism, can exacerbate the symptoms of depression.

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Part 1: Natasha and John discuss depression and then introduce our guest, Matt

Part 2: Matt shares his faith transition and how it affected his mental health

Part 3: Natasha, John, and Matt discuss the LDS Church’s statement regarding mental health and the ability to feel the “Spirit”

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Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:30 Googling suicide methods
01:15 Adjusting medication dosage
02:02 Cautiously optimistic about improvement
02:40 Live comments
03:27 Rereading church statement
04:17 Matt disliked church stance
05:00 Religion not a cure for depression
05:28 Church should stay in its lane
06:10 Church leaves room for guilt
06:43 Bishops have no mental health training
07:52 Referring to LDS services problematic
08:47 Toxic when church is problematic for person
09:16 Especially during faith crisis
09:51 LDS services often wrong move
10:19 Advantages of professional therapist
11:42 Seeking right support type
13:28 Therapists feel limited at LDS services
14:47 Matt's therapist asks his preferences
15:25 Gauge therapist by if they ask your goals
16:18 Article has good and bad suggestions
17:25 Mormon avoidance of doubters problematic
18:06 May need to talk to successful ex-Mormons
18:50 Church gives mixed messages
20:15 Article continues
21:32 Feelings are unreliable for truth
22:32 Processing faith crisis is important
22:58 Spiritual experiences require critical thinking
23:56 Personal vs church spiritual authority
24:53 Article continues
26:13 Let go of toxic God concepts
27:07 Reconstruct concept of God
28:18 Disciplinary practices problematic
28:53 Toxicity of pretending
31:05 Taking a church break can help
31:33 Avoid shaming language
32:07 Allow space for emotions
33:14 Helpful things - exercise, podcasts, sleep
35:40 Get unconditional support
35:33 Process feelings healthily
37:11 Writing, workshops, retreats
37:58 Fill the holes left by faith crisis
38:59 Leaving church alone insufficient
39:31 Renegotiate marriage
39:58 Become an ally
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At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  

Our overall mission is to: 
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