A video that Elder Jeffrey R. Holland shared on Facebook about depression and mental illnesses continues to circulate through social media with over a million views on Facebook alone.
The video was made three years after Elder Holland’s 2013 general conference talk titled, “Like a Broken Vessel,” which also addresses depression and mental illness for Mormons. This video goes into depth with statistics of depression and interviews with other church members who have struggled with depression.
The apostle acknowledged in his video post that depression remains a challenge for many people today. In the U.S., more than 16 million adults had at least one major depressive episode in the past year.
“We came to earth to face issues of mortality in the form of trials, temptations, disease, and death,” he wrote. “It is essential for us to face personal struggles because opposition is a crucial part of Father’s plan.”
Elder Holland also shared the video on Twitter and said, “If you struggle with depression, I invite you to watch this and seek help. The Lord can succor us in our trials.”
Elder Holland believes that depression and mental illnesses are very serious issues that should be treated like a physical injury.
“Broken minds can be healed just the way broken bones and broken hearts are healed,” he wrote. “While God is at work making those repairs, the rest of us can help by being merciful, nonjudgmental, and kind.”
