One of the things we understand now about mental health issues is that the causes of them are multifaceted.

And sometimes there's this belief in church culture that if we keep the commandments and do everything right, that we

will have this kind of carefree, burdenless life, I can't find anything in Scripture to support that.

And every major character that's mentioned in Scripture, this righteous, had a burden to bear

and a significant burden. I mean, Jesus Christ, being the primary example of that, never sent once and yet carried

the greatest burden of all.

It's the burden that gives us the spiritual traction, like Elder Bednar said, to move forward.

I'm Sarah Jane Weaver, editor of the Church News.

Welcome to the Church News podcast.

We are taking you on a journey of connection as we discuss news and events of the Church

of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In October 2013, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke in general conference about confronting mental illness.

In his talk, Elder Holland said, though we may feel we are like a broken vessel, we must remember, the vessel is in the hands of the divine potter.

Today on the church news podcast, we are joined by a member of the church and a licensed psychologist

who has spent his career helping individuals struggling with anxiety and mental illness.

Dr. David T. Morgan is a counselor, author, and motivational speaker who strongly believes that

each of us has the ability and responsibility

to address our personal difficulties. Welcome, Dr. Morgan, to the Church News podcast. Thank you so

much, Sarah. I really appreciate you joining us today, especially during this time when mental

health issues seem to be on the rise in the United States.

Can you talk about why we're talking so much about mental health right now?

Well, part of it, I think, is because we're just seeing it more in ourselves and in those that we love.

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