Addressing Mental Health | Erich W. Kopischke | October 2021 General Conference
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- čas přidán 1. 10. 2021
- Elder Erich W. Kopischke speaks at the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 2-3, 2021.
Allow me to share several observations I made as our family has passed through trials.
"Even though our family has enjoyed rich blessings while joyfully walking the covenant path, we have also faced exceedingly high mountains. I wish to share some very personal experiences regarding mental illness. These include clinical depression, severe anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD-and sometimes a combination of them all. I share these tender experiences with the approval of those involved."
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/s...
So grateful he addressed mental health issues. We loved that Jeffrey R Holland also addressed it in the past, too. The world needs this.
On Wednesday September 29th 2021 my friend tried to take his own life. He survived, and comes home from the hospital on Sunday October 3rd. And as I watch this, I can’t stop thinking about him and his family. This was truly the biggest blessing to me this weekend and I’m sure to his family and him as well. Thank you.
Elder Kopischke you have brought a ray of light to my troubled soul, with my wife in a nursing home God will be with her
My wife goes through a combination of mental illnesses and this talk really helped her. Thank you Elder Kopischke.
My Mum told me to come and find this talk and watch it. I am so thankful that our church leaders can see how relevant mental health is.
This talk was very understanding and comforting to hear as someone who struggles with mental health issues. It has always dream and goal of mine to serve a mission, but I've now been postponing my mission for more than a year and a half because of many of the emotions and struggles described in this talk. This is a hard topic to talk about delicately, and this talk touched me. I hope that I can serve soon and in a way that is healthy.
Can you serve a local mission? Some have had to do that. May Heavenly Father bless you whatever you decide to do.
You look like such a kind and happy young man. You didn't say exactly what your mental health struggle was, but if you have panic and anxiety what I comment here might help you. I'm a 53 year old mom with children. I started suffering with constant anxiety and panic attacks at 12 years old. I suffered with it for years and years. Being a health nutt, I refused all meds. These panic attacks made everything difficult. I never knew when they were coming. It was awful. Finally at the age of 43 a doctor discovered I didn't process TYRAMINES as fast as I should and the silent build up was causing all these usually unexplained panic attacks. What are TYRAMINES? They are a natural amino acid found in just about everything we eat, but certain foods contain a lot more - fermented foods, like aged cheeses, bacon, sausages, hot dogs, cabbage, various sauces. You can Google the list. All I have to do is watch my tyramine consumption and all my panic attacks went away. How freeing this was ... And has been ... It was life changing ! I suffered for years and years and I hope you don't have to. Sometimes these mental health conditions are from something were eating - even if we are eating healthy. You might want to try lowering your Tyramines consumption and see how you feel. Sorry this is so long, but you look so bright and happy and my prayer is that you can go on your mission if that is what seems right for you, and if it doesn't just let it go and get onto the next step in your life. I wish you the very best. May God bless you always 🙏
Prayers are with you. Please look into a service mission, which can be served locally and is equally rewarding.
I suffer from Bipolar Disorder Type 1 as well as several different diagnosis. I am so conflicted with this. I often times find myself feeling very alone in the church. I feel and know that the Lord loves me and blesses me in incredible ways. I guess in a nutshell, I feel the church has a long way to go in really dealing with Mental Illness. It is so difficult to not feel guilt when, for instance, my anxiety is so crippling that I can't even imagine going to church. If I can't go to church, I can't partake of the sacrament, then I am not doing all I can. Then come the callings. How can I have a calling when I am petrified of the idea of being in social situations. What I have decided is the Lord knows my heart and my conditions and he will judge me accordingly. Lastly, above all, our God is a God of love. He sees past all "judgements" placed upon by so many people in our lives. Sadly, often times in our own families. :( I live by Hope...Hope of a better day with a sound, undiseased brain. Until then, my best has to be good enough. It is what it is!
Hi Mike. We're sorry to hear of the challenges you're experiencing. We know God hears your prayers of faith, and we hope you will feel His love and comfort as you seek His help. We also encourage you to seek help for your mental health challenges from someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, mental health professional, or faith leader. To learn more, visit www.churchofjesuschrist.org/mentalhealth.
Amazing talk! So relevant & inspired. Everyone needs to listen to this.
Thank you for Elder Kopischke. My autistic son struggled in his preteen years. I will always be thankful to the Lord and fellow members of my ward and stake that took the time to listen and show unconditional love for him and our family. One particular hard year, I prayed for comfort. After my son spoke out at an improper time at church. I had a brother approach me and put his hand on my shoulder and tell me how much he really loved and enjoyed my son’s comment. I felt his genuine love for my son. I felt healed at that very moment as God answered my prayers. I felt love instead of a burden and saw my son in the way that the Savior sees him. He has grown and matured since and loves the gospel of Jesus Christ. He recently completed an Eagle project in remembrance of a youth leader who passed away and always showed unconditional love for him. He was one of the many people who have shown him and my family Christlike kindness in and outside of Church. I know God knows us personally and loves those who struggle with mental health.
Thank you for sharing this experience, James!
I am so glad that he addressed mental health. I'm considering having a podcast episode regarding mental health issues and personal development. This talk really touched me.
Thank HEAVENLY FATHER and our BELOVED HOLY HEAVENLY MOTHER, for the amazing message from Brother KOPISCHKE.
There are truly All different kinds of metal illness it is true and it is not easy. I am grateful for our lord Jesus Christ ture love. Let us all be a little kinder and understand towards one another like Jesus and God the father. God bless everyone that suffers.
So nice to know that someone in the church understands. Thank you.
oh wow i have adhd i never thought this would ever be spoken about i needed to hear this thank you
Thank you
This talk was absolutely amazing. I'm at a loss for words.
Yes
We have suffered a lot in silence and a lot of judgment. I am glad there are people in the church now leading Saints to understand mental illness. Thank you.
😱 When Elder Kopischke started talking, I was listening.
When he brought up Mental Health, I was listening more intently.
...when he brought up ADHD... I started listening even more intently.
When he mentioned his child tried to commit suicide...
He was suddenly not just speaking.
He was speaking to ME.
I've struggled all my life.
My children have struggled with trauma, one of my children in particular.
I didn't know why I was so different. I didn't know why I was so "extra". I didn't know why I was a magnet for toxic people, and addiction, and depression, and anxiety. I didn't know why it was so hard to just DO the things I knew would bring me relief, or peace. I didn't know what I'd done, or failed to do as a parent, to not recognize the signs of depression in my own child.
I tried, and failed, and tried and tried... and got tired of trying. I prayed and prayed and prayed for help, but I kept struggling. I was consumed by anger, guilt, shame, and confusion.
My eldest child tried committing suicide, more than once.
So I stopped praying for a long time.
...I was finally diagnosed with combined ADHD 6 months ago.
It TRULY changes your dynamic. It rules your choices, despite your desires.
It rules your actions, despite your efforts.
It is indeed the reason why I am the way I am. Undiagnosed ADHD was the catalyst for my life playing out the way it did. My life, and the life of those around me.
The good, and the bad.
...I needed to hear this message.
I am so grateful for this man.
I am so grateful that Heavenly Father inspired him to share this message.
My heart is heavy, but I'm not overwhelmed by it. I'm strengthened by the weight I've carried all these years.
Now I can help others like me to find peace, and comfort despite their afflictions.
Now I have a level of compassion and empathy that I never would have had, if my brain wasn't "dysfunctional".
My heart is heavy, but it's not with heavy despair. It's heavy with hope, and love, and understanding.
Hi Sherry. We're sorry to hear of the challenges you're experiencing. We know God hears your prayers of faith, and we hope you will feel His love and comfort as you seek His help. We also encourage you to seek help for your mental health challenges from someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, mental health professional, or faith leader. To learn more, visit www.churchofjesuschrist.org/mentalhealth.
@@churchofjesuschristgeneralconf Thank you! I'm actually 6 months in to my ADHD awareness journey, and on ADHD meds that are such a blessing! My daughter is now on Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication.
I just was so touched that this talk was inspired by the Lord, and delivered by such an empathetic soul.
My own experience with Major Depression really taught me the love that our Heavenly Parents and Christ have for us. There were so many times that the pain of the guilt, the self hate, and the complete lack of happiness or hope seemed too much to bare. In my darkness moments I would often pray for God to kill me and relieve me from my misery. There were even times I had begun to even doubt my knowledge that He was there.
But while I was at times ready to given up on Them, They were not going to give up on me. And thankfully the prayers for death were answered with a definite no. Slowly with Their help I was able to pull myself out of the darkness. And I when I came out I found my eternal companion and I became a psych nurse to help others who suffered.
I still struggle with depression and anxiety, but I know that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ. And that They grant me strength and shall guide me with their light till the day comes I can be free forever. Ever since I was set free from the darkest part of my illness, “The Lord is my Light” has been my favorite hymn. He is my light and He covers my weakness with power.
Thank you for sharing your testimony with us and speaking on the subject of mental illness.
We're sorry to hear of the challenges you are experiencing. You are a precious child of God with infinite worth, and you are known and loved perfectly by our Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for sharing your experience!
this talk is best heard just after you listen to Susan H Porter say:
"do you know how completely God loves you?
how you feel when you make mistakes ..."
It is interesting I bumped into this beautiful talk as I’ve prayed to know what to say to a close friend whose son returned home early from a mission, due to depression and anxiety. As you can imagine, he is being quite hard on himself right now. This part of the talk really stood out to me:
*Focusing on growth is healthier than obsessing about our shortcomings* .
I think this is healthy advice not only for a returned missionary, but for anyone who is being overly hard on themselves (as a woman, I am great at this.🙄). If we focus on our accomplishments-no matter how small- we should celebrate each and every one of them!!! Write them down if needed, but just do it!😃👍🏼
Gracias Elder Kopischke, necesitaba tanto escuchar estas palabras.
Escuché la voz de Dios, hablando a mi corazón a través de sus palabras.
this mans son is the man who brought me into the church. I'm grateful.
Scriptures and prayer and church help the mentally ill….do not quit those!! They are your salvation….along with all of the other therapies.
I was just diagnosed with ADHD about 6 weeks ago (at the age of 34). It have a very mild case of it, but learning more about it and seeing how it affects others mentally, emotionally, and physically has completely changed my perspective on mental illness. This talk really touched me and it encouraged me to keep learning so that I can better serve my brothers and sisters fighting demons we can't see.
Thanks for sharing your perspective and experience. Take care!
Hey me too! I’m 35 and was diagnosed with ADHD a few months ago. Also mild but the diagnosis has helped me understand myself and helped me learn how I can be more effective in everything I do. I have struggled to maintain good daily habits in my life and I know this is key to my growth and development. I don’t blame all my problems on ADHD or other potential weaknesses but understanding myself helps me to be more patient and more strategic in how I try become the person my Heavenly Father wants me to be.
@GeneralConference Thank y💖u Elder Kopischke for this topic of discussion you spoke on with thee wonderful reminders in thee Hymn "No Never Will our God Forsake" ect..... With His Powerful Omnipotent Hand..... 🙏💖💫 Thank y💖u General Conference & Thee Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints in all y💖u humbly do to help us along thee roads of life, divinly inspiring us to be prayerful, humble, reverent with our spiritual eyes of humbly faith in thee Powerful Heavenly will of divine holy revelation we are more than blessed to know of through Heavenly Father's chosen speakers as we go through life following our Savior Jesus Thee Christ 🙏 💙
Thank you for this very insightful talk!
Thank you for speaking about these struggles. So, so many of us suffer greatly.
A few years ago, I served a mission for The Church.
I loved my mission and the time I spent there.
However, due to an injury, I had to return home early after having served for nearly a year.
What was tough was realizing that I was coming home early. Despite my injury, I had become "THAT" missionary coming home early.
My mind immediately began to run through all of things I had said about missionaries who I had seen come home early. The comments I had heard from other members or even my own family about those early-returned missionaries. I was going to become an "early-returned-missionary".
I realized that was what I was coming home too. I felt so much embarrassment. I felt so much insecurity and I felt like I had no control in the matter.
I remember the countless times I had to explain my situation to other people, to other members, to my family - so they would know WHY I came home early.
I began to withdraw myself from social gatherings. I started to isolate myself so I wouldn't have to re-explain and relive my coming home experience.
I did this so much so that thoughts of suicide, feelings of depression, and an overall loss of The Spirit became the norm.
However, through counseling (which had actually been sponsored by and recommended through The Church), I was finally able to process my emotions. I finally had felt for the first time like someone was listening and willing to help me sort through my many experiences.
I felt hope for the first time as well as the comforting embrace of The Spirit again in my life.
I was able to feel like I could pray again, that I could go to church and not feel embarrassed of my situation - because gradually I was beginning to realize my self worth.
I found that my self worth is not found in the circumstances of our lives, nor the unfairness of those circumstances - but in and through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Through his Atoning sacrifice, all things unfair can be made easier to bare as we pass through them.
I am so grateful for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am grateful to those who pursue the study of mental wellness. It has impacted my life so much for the better.
Thank you for posting this talk!
Thank you for sharing your experience! We are so happy to hear that through Christ you were able to find your self worth. We hope that your experience helps others to improve their lives through your example.
Dankeschön, Elder Kopischke !
Thank you for this inspirational message, God bless our leaders of the church...
What an inspirational talk! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. May God continue to bless you and your family!
Hey. I have schizophrenia or schizo affective. I'm definitely not converted or anything by this talk, but glad my sister shared it. I got my illness while serving a mission and I finished it.
I have to agree about what he said that mental illness can make you not feel gods love. It's probably half the reason I'm atheist, but I won't go into that because I'm trying to be respectful to this lds channel.
My brother suffered from severe paranoid schizophrenia and has since passed away. It makes sense that it would be hard to feel God when reality itself betrays you. You are enough. Much love to you 💙
I struggle with anxiety and depression so this was wonderful, thanks to the wonderful man who gave this talk 🙂
I am presenting a talk to my Elders Quorum today based on this talk and my own struggles Thank you for including this talk in general conference it's a subject that more people may need more understanding of
Thank you so much 💖💖
I love this talk, pray 🙏 for your children..❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you. I needed this at such a deep and profound level. The spirit spoke to me concerning matters of this nature, release and relief, understanding and grace.
A softly delivered and truly powerful talk
Very powerful thank you 💕
This was such a beautiful and important talk. Thank you so much Elder Kopischke for sharing this!
This talk🙌🏽❤️🔥
Very well done. This is a sensitive subject that needs to be talked about so we can all learn more.
Thankyou :).
My wife has paranoid schizophrenia. One minute she is having a conversation with me then when I get up and go do something else and come back she is talking to something invisible. I've dealt with her illness for over 12 years. I know in this life she will never be healed. I 🙏 in the next life she will be healed.
I know that there were talks also to help when I was sick, but I wish my mom had heard this talk….my brothers and sisters too. And my ward leaders. My dad was gone, he was not there to steer me to the best medical and therapeutic help. He had passed away. He was not there to chastise my doctor and therapists to do what was right for me. He had done that before. After he died, they were offering bandaid help, but no in-hospital long-lasting help. I am not sure why the proper way was not made for me then, but I have to accept the fourteen years of up and down, and falling through the cracks at times, mental illness. It was truly horrible at times….like a very bad nightmare, only it did not go away…only some times of temporary relief. Plus I had some bad premonitions that intensified it….that did not go away. I was scared!! There was damage done, with no proper help. I forgave God and my family, and my doctor finally got me into a hospital, where another doctor there got me to another hospital….a better one. One that reached the depths into my soul, and helped to heal me. But by the time I had been admitted there, I had hit rock bottom. So I prayed fervently that God would save me, as I paced my room. He and Jesus were the only ones I had!! But they are the best, they were the best!! And as I did the program, my dad who had passed away, walked with me daily. I was told that in a blessing!! Needless to say, I was made better, with strict habits of health. They helped me with the proper physical care, and my mom and family and the missionaries and home teachers and the branch….and my own prayers and daily scripture readings helped. At first, I could not read on my own, so I asked a staff member to read with me. And I was not able to pray but the Lord’s Prayer at first. My brother took over my finances, and I hope he paid my tithing and fast offering. Remember that if you need someone else to have power of attorney for a time!! You will be blessed!! However, even though my rehabilitation was very hard for a time, there were bright spots that helped me to know that things would be okay. If any challenges, the couple who served a mission were there to help!! Within six months, I was so well, with proper meds, that I was happier than I had ever been!! I had such a nice experience there, and I came back, stayed in residential treatment, and my friend found me a place to live!! It turned out marvelously for me to keep my proper health habits!! There was not some opposition, but that was minor, and I think I helped someone in a couple of ways. I was able to do normal, amazing things, only part-time school and/or work as I went along. I took it slowly at first, and that made a big difference. I was able for the first time in my life, to get almost straight “A’s” in college!! I was sooo grateful that I could do that!! I was able to do lots of other things too!! Things that I loved, and was called to teach and guide some of God’s children, and I found other ways to serve!! Even for those who suffered as I had. The temple was also part of my life….what a blessing!! And I visited my mom twice a week. We were both happy in our relationship again. I know that my illness had really worried her. My family and ward had not known how to help, but God finally provided some of the best helpers he could find, at that hospital. Not without trials and opposition, but I had been on the mend, and I felt safe after a time when in treatment. And the types of groups and activities they had done for us all were amazing!! Plus we got jobs while there!! Some of us shared talents with each other!! Anyway….I was sooo grateful to God and Jesus.
the struggle is real
They never mention OCD, which is what I have. I have felt like I don’t belong because of my Disorder. I have several forms of it. It’s so hard. More than anybody will ever know.
That must be so hard for you. I'm sorry. What could someone do to help you in your situation to feel more included and welcome at church?
You belong. We love you. Elder Kopischke introduced the list of diagnoses that related to his family experience, and used the term mental illness as the term to incorporate all other diagnosis. Teach me. If I were in your ward, what could I do?
My son has OCD, he struggles so much. Can’t be in the same room as us of fear of hurting us. It is had to see hope, but I know OCD does not define you. You are a child of God no matter what. We hold onto that.
I have OCD too so I understand how hard it can make being a member. If you ever wanna talk to anyone about it I'm here, my instagram is the same as my CZcams username
@@sheldonmartin6007 I’m not sure. Maybe just learn about the many forms of OCD in online research. I feel like I can’t talk to anybody about it. It’s such a complicated Brain Disorder. I’ve had it since I was very little. The worst of it came in 2016 after major life stresses. It’s very alienating. It comes with very intrusive thoughts that are not me or part of my character.
I'm glad many are trying to help in this space. However, to ignore the source of the shame which leads to so many of these crises is irresponsible. The Church has a long way to go in dealing with its accountability in many of these mental health issues.
It’s true. I’m an active member but I I have experienced some real trauma when I was first faced with some of the truth of our church history. I feel as though I’ve truly been gaslit. I wasn’t told the truth all growing up. And the polygamy issue is a real issue as well. You can’t tell me that God is no respect are of persons and loves me completely as his daughter while making polygamy seem ok.
❤❤❤
God is good to us, so pray 🙏 to him for the proper help, as soon as you can. Jesus helps too, when we pray to Heavenly Father. Then be patient in the process, and try to find any joy that you can, in things that you love to do, including service!! That will help you!! Read the scriptures for comfort and solace….and peace. And pray a lot!! Get the help and support that you can, from the proper professionals and other people. And validation and assurance of the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through prayer, gospel study and church….and any support from family and friends that you can.
No body cares about me or loves me! How do you handle that?
@ S. A. Johnson When I feel this way, I look to the Lord. I know He loves me and cares about me. This can be hard sometimes and there are times I doubt, however, I just continue on. I go into survival mode and continue until I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Eventually I see that I was never alone. I was loved and cared about by Jesus and still am.
Constant I'm sorry 😔😐 what's from people to others with mental health problems on their smarties when talking to each other never solve or help or make sense or are ever loving or are ever kind or are ever forgiving or work.
He forgot to mention- Schizophrenia