Mental Wellness campaign to benefit Latter-day Saints

The COVID-19 pandemic has upturned our jobs, our homes, and our kids’ schooling. Social distancing, social isolation, financial pressures, and changes to daily routines can induce anxiety, fear, stress, sadness and loneliness. The worry and uncertainty from these life changes can be overwhelming and mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, can worsen.

To assist in navigating these difficult times, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Lewisville Stake is hosting a 7-week mental wellness series over social media. Each week will feature a new topic related to mental health and wellness for men and women of all ages, including children, teens, and young adults. Latter-day Saints, along with their friends, neighbors and communities are invited to participate.

“Now, more than ever, we need to support our mental health,” said Suzanne Watson, Lewisville Stake Relief Society President. 

This series will address topics such as anxiety, stress, worry, depression, uncertainty, addiction, self care, suicide prevention, abuse, and helping loved ones who are struggling. An abundance of tips and resources will also be included for reference.

According to the Church of Jesus Christ mental health site, “One in four people in the world will be affected by mental illness at some point in their lives. More than 16 million U.S. adults had at least one major depressive episode in the past year.

“The Savior loves each of His Father’s children. He fully comprehends the pain and struggle that many experience as they live with a broad range of mental health challenges. He suffered “pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; … [taking] upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people”. Because He understands all afflictions, He knows how “to heal the brokenhearted”.

The social media campaign piggybacks off the Lone Star Latter-day Saints Voices podcast that recently featured Dr. Mark Bird, LMFT. Bird is a Marriage & Family Therapist in Lewisville, TX, who spoke on maintaining good mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Laura Barlow, counselor in the Lewisville Stake Relief Society presidency offered words of encouragement. “In these times of uncertainty, where fear, loneliness, and anxiety have come to the forefront, we want all to know that you are not alone! You matter and you are enough…exactly as you are! There are so many resources to help you on your journey! Our hope for this series is to spread awareness, provide resources, grow together as a community, and help each of us feel God’s love for us personally.”

The mental wellness series is exclusive to the Lewisville Stake Friends Facebook and Instagram pages with new content posted regularly. All of the content can be accessed by searching the hashtag #LewisvilleStakeMentalWellnessSeries on both platforms. Handouts and resources will be available on google drive.

Week 1: Stress, Fear, Anxiety
Week 2: Depression
Week 3: Dealing with worry and uncertainty
Week 4: Addiction, Abuse, Suicide prevention
Week 5: Mental health for children, teens, and young adults
Week 6: Self Care
Week 7: Helping loved ones who struggle