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

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters twenty-three through twenty-nine. We’ll talk about the example of the Anti-Nephi-Lehis and their process of change. We’ll discuss the concept of “weapons of rebellion” and how this applies to our mental health. We’ll review common mistaken beliefs about mental health and talk about alternative attitudes. We will also discuss how change is always possi...

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters twenty-three through twenty-nine. We’ll talk about the example of the Anti-Nephi-Lehis and their process of change. We’ll discuss the concept of “weapons of rebellion” and how this applies to our mental health. We’ll review common mistaken beliefs about mental health and talk about alternative attitudes. We will also discuss how change is always possi...

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters seventeen through twenty-two. We’ll talk about how when the sons of Mosiah were preparing for their missions, the Lord came to them and invited them to “be comforted.” We’ll discuss what that means, and how it usually involves work on our part and a miracle on the Lord’s part. We’ll review the story of Naaman as an example of this. We’ll also talk abo...

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters thirteen through sixteen. We’ll discuss the idea of “entering into the Lord’s rest” and what that means in terms of our current lives and our future lives. We’ll talk about the Savior’s invitation to experience His peace, and the difference between situation-dependent and situation-independent peace. We’ll also review the experience of Alma and Amulek...

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters eight through twelve. We’ll talk about Alma’s initial experience preaching in Ammonihah and his rejection. As the Lord sends him an angel, Alma is comforted and returns to work. We’ll discuss how the Lord is always willing to support and comfort us, but will often wait until the last minute to test our limits and help us grow stronger. We’ll also talk...

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters five through seven. We’ll review how Alma relinquished his position as chief judge so he could devote himself fully to ministering to church members. We’ll talk about how this was a good example of setting boundaries, and how setting boundaries can help our personal progress. We’ll also review how the process of change is one of ups and downs, improve...

In this episode we’ll talk about Mosiah chapter twenty-nine and Alma chapters one through four. We’ll talk about the major change in Nephite government discussed in these chapters, where they transition from a government of kings to a government of democratically-elected judges. We’ll discuss the process of change in general and how our natures are prone to resist change. We’ll review how the gosp...

In this episode we’ll talk about Mosiah chapters twenty-five through twenty-eight. We’ll focus mostly on the story of Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah. We’ll talk about the process of change. We’ll review how some people get frustrated with their own protracted change process, when they read about people like Alma the Younger who seem to have changed instantly. We’ll look at details that sh...

In this episode we’ll talk about Mosiah chapters eighteen through twenty-four. These chapters contain great insights regarding our mental and emotional health. We’ll first talk about the concept of boundaries when serving others. We’ll talk about the importance of service, and the equal importance of taking care of ourselves and not burning ourselves out. We’ll then talk about how our burdens are...

In this episode we’ll talk about Mosiah chapters eleven through seventeen. These chapter have the beginning of the story of King Noah and his people, including the account of Abinadi the prophet. We’ll talk about Abinadi’s mission and how he remained faithful despite many significant challenges. We’ll discuss the idea of choice and consequence. We’ll review the strides that society has made in men...

In this episode we’ll talk about Mosiah chapters seven through ten. This is the beginning of the story of King Zeniff and those who succeeded him as king. We’ll talk about the concept of being “overzealous” and how this can apply to our mental health. We’ll discuss what is known as “scrupulosity” or “religious obsessive-compulsive” behavior and how it can be damaging. We’ll also talk about how the...

In this episode we’ll talk about Mosiah chapters four through six. These readings are the conclusion to King Benjamin’s final remarks to his people. They teach, among other things, about the power of persistence. We’ll discuss how the people received a remission of sins and wanted to continue to feel that way. We’ll review principles that teach about the value of continual striving. We’ll talk abo...

In this episode we’ll talk about Mosiah chapters one through three. These readings are the first of the largest subsection of the Book of Mormon, which contains many summary comments by the prophet Mormon. We’ll study some principles taught by King Benjamin in his final address to his people. We’ll talk about how the Lord is mindful of us, so much so that He is usually putting things in place for...

In this episode we’ll talk about the books of Enos, Jarom, Omni, and the Words of Mormon. These are the concluding writings of the small plates of Nephi. We’ll focus mostly on the story of Enos and his transformation from sinner to saint. We’ll talk about how all change needs to start with becoming acquainted with spiritual truths, followed by a desire to improve, and concluding with making effort...

In this episode we’ll talk about Jacob chapters 5 through 7. These are the final writings of Jacob in the Book of Mormon. We’ll talk about the struggle that his life was, and how he learned to overcome difficulty despite ongoing challenges. We’ll review his transformation from someone who doubted in his own abilities to someone who was truly confident. We’ll also talk about how the process of pers...

In this episode we’ll talk about Jacob chapters 1 through 4. We’ll review how Jacob appears to have been a somewhat anxious person, referring to himself as anxious many times in his writings. We’ll discuss some of the possible reasons for that. We’ll review four principles in Jacob’s teachings that we can use to better manage anxiety. They include being accountable for our choices, doing difficult...

In this episode we won’t talk about any specific readings from the Book of Mormon, but rather focus on an Easter message. We’ll talk about some of the events of Holy Week, including the stark contrast from the joy of Palm Sunday to the grief of Crucifixion Friday. We’ll review how, even though the ancient saints lingered in grief after the Savior’s death, the brilliant events of Resurrection Sunda...

In this episode we’ll talk about 2 Nephi chapters 31 through 31. These are the last of Nephi’s writings in the Book of Mormon, and continue to demonstrate his commitment to personal accountability. We’ll talk about how long-term improvement requires consistent application of good interventions. It’s not enough to simply start a good process; we have to continue with it. We’ll also discuss how doin...

In this episode we’ll talk about 2 Nephi chapters 26 through 30. Nephi provides his own prophesy of the future of his people and of saints in the latter days. We’ll talk about how Nephi is a good example of being accountable for his circumstance, no matter how difficult it was. We’ll review how Satan wants us to avoid accountability, knowing this will lead to feelings of ineptitude and frustration...

In this episode we’ll talk about 2 Nephi chapters 20 through 25. These are the conclusion of the Isaiah chapters in Nephi’s personal record. We’ll talk about the message of hope that is found throughout the writings of Isaiah. We’ll discuss how hope can help manage mental health issues, by helping us look forward towards better days, even when things are difficult. We’ll also discuss how as we tak...

In this episode we’ll talk about 2 Nephi chapters 11 through 19. These are the first of the Isaiah chapters in Nephi’s personal record. We’ll talk about how important these writings were to Nephi, and how they provided him with peace and assurance during times of trial. We’ll review the concept of aligning our beliefs with truth, particularly as it relates to our tendency to twist God’s teachings...

In this episode we’ll talk about 2 Nephi chapters six through ten. This is the first time we hear the words of the prophet Jacob. We’d been introduced to him earlier, but now we start to get some insight into his character and challenges. It would appear that Jacob suffered from chronic anxiety. We’ll talk about how he handled his anxiety issues. We’ll review the writings of Isaiah that he quoted,...

In this episode we’ll talk about 2 Nephi chapters three through five. These chapters contain what is often referred to as the Psalm of Nephi, which we’ll spend most of our time discussing. We’ll talk about how Nephi was having emotional struggles after the death of his father. His struggles caused him to doubt his abilities and his purpose. Yet after remembering his blessings and taking action, he...

In this episode we'll talk about 2 Nephi chapters one and two. We’ll start with Lehi’s counsel to his wayward sons, Laman and Lemuel. We’ll review how he encouraged them to think about the good things the Lord had done for them, in order to strengthen their faith. Then we’ll talk about a recent and very personal story from my life, where my wife had a cancer scare. We’ll review how the Lord pr...

In this episode we'll talk about 1 Nephi chapters sixteen through twenty-two. These chapters have some amazing stories about the journey of Lehi’s family across the desert and the ocean. There was a consistent theme throughout the chapters. Many times there was a challenge presented and then a solution provided. We’ll talk about how the Lord is eager to provide miracles for us to get through o...