Come Follow Me: Mental Health Insights with Dr. David T. Morgan

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 71-75. In part, we’ll continue some of our discussion from last week, but do a much deeper dive into the concepts of personal responsibility and accountability. We’ll talk about the idea of stewardship, and how each of us have a personal stewardship to improve our lives. We’ll discuss the importance of having another person to be accountabl...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 67-70. We’ll discuss the importance of being patient with our mental health progress, understanding that complex issues take much time and effort to remedy. We’ll review cautions against those promoting “quick fixes” or “life hacks” to circumvent the needed work to improve mental health. We’ll also talk about the importance of personal acco...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 64-66. We’ll discuss how the Savior yearns to forgive us no matter the sin. We’ll talk about how this is extra amazing considering the great price He paid to achieve that power. We will also talk about the commandment He has given for us to forgive each other. We’ll review how forgiving others can lead to greater peace and mental health, wh...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 60 through 63. We’ll discuss the concept of work and how this is an eternal principle that should guide our lives. We’ll review the idea of spiritual gifts, or talents, and how the Lord expects us to use them for the benefit of our own lives and those of others. We’ll talk about how we need to seek heavenly direction as we move forward thro...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 58-59. We’ll talk about how blessings come based on obedience, but usually after there is some tribulation and trial. We’ll review how the idea that we can skip the difficulty in life through good choices is not accurate; most all of our growth comes from our challenges. We’ll discuss the value of moral agency, and how not only do we have t...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 51-57. We’ll review how many times the Spirit will teach us things that are specific to us if we are willing to hear and accept the counsel. We’ll talk about the ideas of “being patient in tribulation” and “taking up our cross.” We’ll emphasize the importance of understanding the will of the Lord, especially when we are required to pass thr...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 49-50. We’ll talk about the importance of understanding truth, regardless of whether it is spiritual truth or secular truth. We’ll review the many difficulties people face when they are not aligning their personal beliefs with truth. We’ll discuss the sources of misinformation and disinformation that aggressively try to swing our opinions....

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 46-48. We’ll talk about the importance of faith and how it can help mitigate certain distressing mental health experiences. We’ll review the relationship between rigid thinking and some mental health issues, and how learning how to think flexibly can built resilience. We’ll also talk about the importance of spiritual gifts, which are given...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants section 45. We’ll talk about the concept of “future anxiety” and the Savior’s admonition that we “fear not.” We’ll discuss the differences between external peace and internal peace, and how  greater access to truth can increase our personal sense of peace. We’ll also review the importance of reasoning through our doubts and fears, to the end that we...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 41 through 44. We’ll talk about how the Lord commanded his disciples to follow His law, expecting them to be disciplines. We’ll discuss how discipline is also required when trying to achieve consistent change, and how inconsistent efforts are less effective. We’ll also talk about the idea of “but if not” from the story of Shadrach, Meshach,...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 37 through 40. We’ll talk about a theme in the readings regarding hope during times of difficulty. The Lord has promised that all trials will come to an end, but has also commanded us to have hope in the meantime. We’ll review how hope is critical in overcoming mental health challenges. We’ll also discuss a personal story from President Jef...

This week we are studying doctrines and concepts associated with the celebration of Easter. We’ll talk about the encouragement from church leaders to make Easter preparation a more significant part of our celebration, helping us focus more intentionally and proactively on this event. We’ll review some of the events from the last life of Jesus’ mortal life, some of his characteristics demonstrated...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 29. First, we’ll talk about the role of agency in change and mental health improvement. We’ll discuss how we need to take accountability for our choices and do difficult things. We’ll also talk about how as we align our will with God, we will achieve greater strength to endure all kinds of challenges. Finally, we’ll discuss how trials, incl...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 29. First, we’ll talk about the role of agency in change and mental health improvement. We’ll discuss how we need to take accountability for our choices and do difficult things. We’ll also talk about how as we align our will with God, we will achieve greater strength to endure all kinds of challenges. Finally, we’ll discuss how trials, incl...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 27-28. We’ll talk about the armor of God, each particular piece mentioned, and how it can help us improve our spiritual and emotional health. We’ll also talk about the idea of emotional armor. We’ll review how sometimes this can help us when setting boundaries and limits in our personal lives. We’ll also review how sometimes this can be a d...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 23-26. We’ll talk about the difference between self-condemnation and self-compassion related to our emotional and mental well-being. We’ll review how although the Lord does condemn at times, it is out of love and for our eventual improvement. We’ll discuss the importance of learning to walk by faith and being content with not knowing all ou...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 20-22. This portion of the record contains specific instructions for Joseph Smith regarding how he is to establish the church in the latter days. We’ll talk about how the Lord is willing to help us achieve larger goals by giving us specific instruction, but we have to be ready to receive the revelation. We’ll discuss how hope is a key facto...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants section 19. This section is a direct revelation from Joseph Smith to Martin Harris. Although the counsel was specifically for Martin, there are many truths which can help us as well. We’ll talk about some of the characteristics of the Savior which enabled Him to complete His Atonement, including having a good understanding of identity and purpose, i...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants section 18. We’ll talk about the counsel given to Oliver Cowdery that he needed to rely on the things he knew to be true, as he went forward to establish the Lord’s church. We’ll discuss this same concept in our own lives, and how sometimes we do not act on the things we know to be true, because of fear and anxiety. We’ll review ways we can overcome...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 12 through 17, in addition to the final verses of Joseph Smith History. These sections are revelations given in answers to questions that individuals had about their lives. We’ll talk about the doctrine of revelation and how God wants to reveal things to us, but we must be prepared to receive them. We’ll discuss what is our part in seeking...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections ten and eleven. We’ll talk about the Savior’s counsel to be diligent, while at the same time giving ourselves adequate time for rest. We’ll review the example of the creation of the earth and how the Lord taught this principle. We’ll also talk about striking the balance between doing enough to be productive, while not doing so much that we...

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections six through nine. We’ll talk about the importance of trusting in the Lord’s timing and understanding that He will help us through our trials. We’ll discuss the commandment to look unto the Lord without doubt or fear, and how difficult it can be to obey that commandment. We’ll review the blessings He has promised as we strive to do His will....

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections three through five. We’ll talk about the history of section three, the lost Book of Mormon manuscript, and Joseph’s mistake in not following the will of the Lord. We’ll review the importance of getting heavenly direction in our lives, especially when it involves personal and mental health improvement. We’ll also talk about some fallacies th...

This week we are studying Joseph Smith History verses one through twenty-six. This is one of the accounts of the First Vision as given by Joseph Smith. We’ll talk about several truths that can help us manage our mental health. The first is the knowledge and hope that God is aware of us and has a plan for our success. The second is that we must act in faith in order to overcome the difficulties we...

This week we are studying Joseph Smith History verses one through twenty-six. This is one of the accounts of the First Vision as given by Joseph Smith. We’ll talk about several truths that can help us manage our mental health. The first is the knowledge and hope that God is aware of us and has a plan for our success. The second is that we must act in faith in order to overcome the difficulties we...