Physical and Emotional Health: Lesson 185
Coping with Sadness and Depression
Jesus Christ Will Carry Our Grief and Pain
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
The Great Glen Way is a popular 79-mile (127-kilometer) trail beginning near the Fort William coast in Scotland. Each year, roughly 30,000 hikers and mountain bikers visit portions of the trail, with an estimated 4,500 choosing to complete the entire route. While the trail isn’t too demanding, carrying a heavy backpack can make the journey difficult. Like the Great Glen Way, life’s journey has challenging stretches when burdens weigh you down. Heavenly Father knew this mortal life would bring moments of sadness, discouragement, disappointment, and depression. While these experiences might feel unbearable, God provides divine aid. He sent His Son to experience everything you would suffer, with a promise that His power can help you find rest (see Matthew 11:28–30).
Lesson Purpose: To help you understand how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will help you endure feelings of sadness and depression.
Learn How
The burdens of our lives
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 notebook, record one or two emotional burdens you are carrying now or have carried in the past. Include how these may be affecting or have affected your life. 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.
When it’s more than sadness. Even with the Lord’s tender, loving, and constant care, sometimes difficult emotions persist as we wait upon Him for healing according to His will and timing. 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. No amount of self-will can solve severe depression. Seeking professional help, when possible, can be an important step to healing mental health issues, as we continue to rely upon the Lord and receive support and compassion from others.
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“Mourn With Those That Mourn—Hope Works” (time code 2:20 to 5:55)
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“Suicide Prevention and Ministering” at ChurchofJesusChrist.org
Jesus Christ knows exactly how you feel
Ancient and modern prophets have taught that the Savior can help you endure all difficult feelings.
Read Isaiah 53:3–5; Matthew 11:28–30; and Alma 7:11–12. Mark words or phrases that show the Savior’s desire and power to help when you are sad, discouraged, or depressed. Tag what you find as “divine help.”
Choose one of the verses to create a note with the following truth: As I come unto Him, the Savior will help me carry the burdens of sadness and sorrow.
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)
Christlike attributes, healing
In your notebook, record your thoughts to the following questions:
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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?
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How do you think understanding this truth could help someone who is struggling with these feelings?
Showing empathy to those who grieve
By following the Savior’s example, you can learn how to minister to those who are struggling.
Used with permission. "Gethsemane" by Adam Abram. Courtesy of altusfineart.com © 2024.
Study one or more of the following passages. Look for what you learn from the Savior’s example. You could tag these passages as “ministering” or “empathy.”
You can follow the Savior’s example by extending love to those who are struggling. Even if you have experienced something similar, you can’t fully understand how someone feels. But you can show empathy by expressing compassion through your words.
Study the following statements that you could share when showing empathy to someone who is struggling. With a friend or family member, practice sharing one or more of the following statements:
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“I don’t know what to say, but I want you to know you are loved by many, including me.”
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“You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to, but I’m here to listen if you do.”
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“It’s OK to have different feelings from one day, or one moment, to the next.”
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“There’s no one right way to feel. Let yourself experience emotions as they come.”
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“I love you, and I’m praying for you.”
Watch the following video: “Mental Health: Compassion for Those Who Struggle” (2:26).
Dig Deeper: For additional help on ministering to those who grieve, see “Grief and Loss” in Counseling Resources at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Now What?
In your notebook, select one or both of the following to complete:
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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?
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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.
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you understand how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will help you endure feelings of sadness and depression.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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Something you felt that you want to remember about Jesus Christ and enduring sadness or depression.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?