Early Return LDS Missionaries - Anxiety and Depression Resources

Many people don't understand depression and anxiety. I get it.  If you, or someone you love, haven't experienced it personally it is easy to misjudge and think someone can just overcome it with a positive attitude.

Signs of Depression

• A persistent sad, helpless, hopeless, or worthless feeling.
• Decreased energy and motivation, and increased fatigue.
• A loss of interest in activities one used to enjoy.
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
• Appetite change and weight loss or gain.
• Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up.
• Thoughts about death and suicide.

Here are some informative articles, videos, blog posts and podcasts that may help provide some understanding about depression, anxiety, and early returned missionaries.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng&_r=1

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2016-05-012-elder-hollands-counsel-for-early-returned-missionaries?lang=eng

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865628809/6-lies-early-returned-missionaries-tell-themselves.html?pg=all

http://ldsmag.com/what-this-mission-president-would-like-every-early-returned-missionary-to-know/

https://typedlettershome.com/2016/10/06/a-letter-to-every-erm/

http://www.provomormondude.com/2015/09/dealing-with-depression-as-latter-day.html

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2016/02/depression?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/new-era/2016/09/dealing-with-depression?lang=eng

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxK2E2OFJhQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZdr56g_efQ

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1984/02/my-battle-with-depression?lang=eng

https://www.mormon.org/blog/dealing-with-depression-and-mental-illness#d

https://www.mormonchannel.org/listen/series/mormon-channel-daily-audio/his-grace-being-an-early-returned-missionary

http://www.ldsliving.com/A-Video-About-Early-Returned-Missionaries-Every-Member-Needs-to-See-Understand/s/80052

Book - The Happiness Factor: How to be HAPPY no Matter WHAT!

Our friend from church, Kirk Wilkinson, has a book that will be in major bookstores in October.

It is called: The Happiness Factor: How to be HAPPY no Matter WHAT! It will be available on line at http://www.thehappinessfactor.com/ and major bookstores everywhere.

Kirk and his wife Karen are seriously two of the nicest and happiest people I know so I am glad they are sharing their secrets.

Kirk is having a celebration for the release of his new book. The event is open to everyone.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

7:00 p.m. at Desert Ridge High School Auditorium

10045 East Madero, Mesa, AZ 85209

Admission is free. More than $1,000 in prizes and giveaways.

Here is a little blurb about the book:

The Happiness Factor is a real-world, practical guide to experiencing complete, lasting happiness. Without a lot of scientific jargon, Kirk shares real-life examples, stories and exercises that will enable you to be happy. Stop waiting for that one thing that will make you happy and learn how be happy right now. Lose the feeling of being stuck and in a rut to being completely satisfied every day all day long! Find purpose and meaning in all you do. Through small changes you will experience big results. Stop being a victim, overcome depression and anxiety and fall in love with your life NO MATTER WHAT!