Mormon Newsroom: Working Together to Reduce Suicide and Depression

This article from the Mormon Newsroom highlights that September is National Suicide Prevention Month.  It offers some practical advice on how we can help.  Among other things it suggests reaching out to those who may need our help, as isolation is one thing that increases the rate of suicide.  It especially advocates that we cannot leave our children and youth feeling isolated.  This especially includes young people who are struggling with any issue, including same sex attraction.  If people we know are dealing with loneliness, depression or isolation, we should reach out with love.  This article quotes and article from Jeffrey R. Holland, "Like a Broken Vessel," which is also worthy of review.

**Like a Broken Vessel

This is a presentation based on the talk given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland a few years back dealing with hope and depression.  It presents about ten individuals telling their stories of depression.  However it is also a message of hope.  There is hope in jesus Christ for a better life, things will get better.  One warning, in watching the video several people present their stories.  The first part can be depressive.  Watch to the end where the message of hope dominates.

Jeffrey R. Holland Speaks of Compassion and Mental Illness

General Conference October 2013

Jeffrey R. Holland's talk from conference Saturday on mental illness and suicide is classic.  To me it justifies my career selection.  It had me in tears.
Elder Holland talks about the stigma, and points out there should be no shame in these illnesses, just as there should be no shame for diabetes or other illnesses.
His advice for one we ourselves or loved ones have problems; Never loss faith in your Father in Heaven.  Quoting President Monson, "God's love is there whether or not you deserve it."  Follow time-tested devotionals in your life, seek priesthood counseling, ask for and cherish priesthood blessings, take the sacrament every week, believe in miracles, watch for the stress indicators in yourself and in others you may be able to help, get medical care, don't assume you can fix everything but fix what you can and finally be patient.
He concludes with the emotional plea, "Whatever your struggles, do not vote against the preciousness of life by ending it.  Trust in God, hold on in his love.  Know that one day the dawn will break brightly."  Then he says while God works making repairs, "the rest of us can help by being merciful, nonjudgmental and kind."
I encourage you to listen to his remarks.