LEARNING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND POTENTIAL RESOURCES

LEARNING ABOUT MENTAL/EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Stephen D. ZoBell, PhD

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO LEARN ABOUT MENTAL/EMOTIONAL HEALTH?

We are told to act rather than be acted upon.  Therefore it is important for each of us to accept the

 responsibility to learn about and manage our own mental/emotional well being, so that it does not 

deteriorate.  Below are reasons for learning about mental/emotional health:

1.  Being well informed about mental/emotional health will help each of us to balance our complicated experiences.  We all have a spiritual part, a physical part made of complicated chemistry, we are involved in relationships, we have emotional components, we live in a complex environment with complicated lifestyles.  Add to this our agency and it becomes difficult to define or predict a human soul.  For this reason it is important to be in the process of learning and applying accurate information regarding our mental and emotional aspects.

2.  We can learn mental health self-management, practice mental/emotional self-reliance, in order to build self confidence and live life to the fullest.

3.  We can develop useful mental/emotional  skills that will enable us to face challenges, deal with trials and face success in stable and reasonable ways

4.  If we have accurate mental/emotional information it will offset the faulty views we may find elsewhere in the world

5.  With good mental/emotional information we will be able to have understanding and compassion for others who struggle and be in a better position to offer them support

6.  If we have correct information about mental/emotional issues then perhaps we could be the answer to a mother's prayers, we may be able to assist the prisoner to go free, it may be our opportunity to lift up the hands that hang down or to strengthen the feeble knees, or to bring light to those in darkness.  

7.  With correct mental/emotional understanding, and enjoying mental/emotional stability ourselves, we are then in a position to be agents of hope.  There is hope!  We can bring hope to others.

8.  We can more easily see the tender mercies of the Lord and recognize that the worth of souls is great in His sight.

WHAT KEEPS US FROM LEARNING ABOUT MENTAL/EMOTIONAL HEALTH?

Often, people are resistant to deal with their mental/emotional health.  Anything that is ignored long enough will deteriorate and this is true with our mental/emotional health.  Following are common excuses people provide for ignoring their mental/emotional health:

I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO OR WHERE TO GO

I THOUGHT IT WAS NORMAL

  I WAS TOO BUSY

I WAS AFRAID, I WAS ASHAMED

I WAS UNWILLING, IN DENIAL, AVOIDING, IGNORING, RESISTANT AND BLAMING OTHERS

THE PROBLEMS BECAME USEFUL AND COMFORTABLE TO ME

I COULDN’T CONTROL MYSELF (ADDICTION/ANGER)

OTHER PEOPLE’S OPINIONS DISCOURAGED ME FROM GETTING HELP

MENTAL/EMOTIONAL HELP AND UNDERSTANDING IN THE GOSPEL CONTEXT

Libraries and the internet abound with information regarding mental/emotional well being.  It is

 important for a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be cautious and

ensure that the information we choose to accept and follow are compatible within the following 

context:

God is our Father and He loves us

The bigger picture:  premortal life, purpose of current phase, next life

body as a temple, agency, choices of self and others, experiences

  our Savior, Atonement, covenants/ordinances, gospel doctrine, commandments, Church

The Holy Ghost can provide specific direction

USING PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

WHERE TO FIND HELP TO PROMOTE MENTAL/EMOTIONAL WELL  BEING

BOOKS/PAMPHLETS/MAGAZINES/RESEARCH/JOURNALS/REPORTS

SEMINARS

CONSULTING WITH OTHERS IN THE KNOW

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS DESIGNED TO CONSULT/REFER--ie, LDSFS

RECEIVING COUNSELING

WORKSHOPS

INTERNET

COURSES/CLASSES

PERSONAL STUDY AND RESEARCH

EXAMPLES OF OTHERS

RECOVERY PROGRAMS

WRITING:  GOALS/SCRIPTS/JOURNALING

WORD OF MOUTH

SAFEGUARDS IN THE SELECTION OF COUNSELLING RESOURCES

Stephen D. ZoBell, PhD

1.         There are times when professional counseling may be helpful.  However, it should only be considered after personal and family resources are exhausted.  Consider seeking guidance from your Bishop in locating a trustworthy professional. Professional counseling should be treated as a temporary technical resource.  What resources do you personally have that you could apply prior to considering professional counseling?

2.         Consider using only trusted professionals who have sufficient qualifications, adequate references and who are members of a professional society that provides oversight for those of its profession.  Do not consider using professionals who speak against the authority or doctrine of the Church.  A positive measure is when professional skills are influenced by higher level spiritual values.  What is the counselors professional education/experience?

3.         Prior to engaging in counseling, all parties should thoroughly discuss terms and limitations.  Written contracts can reduce future misunderstandings.  Is the counselor supervised by a governing body and/or a direct line supervisor?  What are fees for service?  When and how is payment to be made?  How are evaluations made to determine when counseling can terminate?

4.      Those who pay the bills should maintain control in determining limits and setting terms of agreement.

5.        Regarding professional counseling, it is a buyer beware market.  In most communities there are many resources so it doesn't hurt to shop in order to compare prices and value.  Proceed with caution and consultation.  Does the professional have a track record in the community?  Will the professional supply references to be contacted?

6.       Stewardship, accountability, responsibility, service and self-reliance are guiding principles in utilizing professional resources.

7.        Be careful to avoid becoming counselor dependent.  Sessions should seldom be more than an hour.  The course of treatment, for mild to moderate challenges, should be limited to around 12 session.  More than 12 sessions may be a signal to evaluate the direction of counseling.

SOME EXPECTATIONS OF

CLIENTS IN THERAPY

safety from further injury

be warmly accepted with compassion

be treated with dignity

be allowed to tell their story

understanding and empathy

regain self esteem and self respect

develop helpful coping skills

be rid of shame

be assisted in developing the ability to be a contributing member of society

have some degree of healing

regenerate confidence in self

find some degree of self control with thoughts, feelings and impulses

diminish blame, anger and fear

learn management of imagination

learn the ability to honestly care about others

get personal lifestyle in harmony with personal and religious values