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

In this episode we'll review the middle portion of the book of Psalms, which is a collection of inspired poetry and music. We'll continue our discussion of gospel truths found in these chapters that can help improve mental health functioning. This week we'll specifically review principles related to the beneficial aspects of positive change, how we need to reach out for help in our struggles, and...

In this episode we'll review the first third of the book of Psalms, which is a collection of inspired poetry and music. It has been called the most Christian of the Old Testament books because of the many references to the Savior. We will talk about certain truths in the recommended reading and how those truths can help with mental health issues. This week we'll specifically review principles rela...

In this episode we'll talk about the story of Job, which marks the beginning of the poetic portion of the Old Testament. We'll talk about the faithfulness of Job and how this was tested, first through trials that affected his affluence, and second through trials that affected his health. Some of his friends stood by him, and some of them didn't. We'll address the vexing question of "why do bad thi...

In this episode we'll talk about the story of Esther, which is one of my favorite Old Testament stories. We'll review the courage it took for her to intervene on behalf of her people, especially when the likelihood of death was high. We'll talk about how difficult tasks require courage and effort to manage. Specifically, we'll discuss how mental health issues often take a long time, with extended...

In this episode we'll talk about the story of Nehemiah and his unrelenting work to meet his established goals. We'll discuss how he gets permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, encounters opposition along the way, but continues to move forward towards his purpose. We'll talk about the power of understanding our purpose and how this can help us with our own challenges. We will also discuss ho...

In this episode we'll talk about many of the kings of Judah, some of them wicked and some of them righteous. We'll specifically discuss King Josiah and how when restoring the temple, he found the "book of the law" that helped him reclaim aspects of his own and Israel's identity as the chosen people of God. We'll talk about the concept of identity, especially in relation to mental health issues, an...

In this episode we'll discuss two of my favorite Old Testament stories; the story of Naaman and the story of Elisha's servant. Both of them have good mental health applications. For Naaman, we'll talk about the importance of following prophetic counsel even when we think it doesn't apply to us. We'll discuss how there is greater peace and happiness to be found as we follow the prophet. For Elisha'...

In this episode we'll discuss what I like to call the "greatest hits" of the prophet Elijah and what we can learn from some of his experiences. We'll discuss how improving our ability to receive revelation can help us manage mental health issues. We will also talk about how not all mental health strategies work for each person so we need to listen to the Lord about how to move forward. Finally, we...

In this episode we'll discuss the middle and end of the story of David, king of Israel. We'll talk about his noble efforts to lead the armies of Israel and how he we beloved by many. We'll discuss his decision to live among the Philistines for a time and how that may have affected his testimony. We will also talk about his indiscretions with Bathsheba, his attempts to cover it up, and the conseque...

In this episode we'll discuss the beginning of the story of David, king of Israel. We'll talk about the process of him getting chosen as king and how Samuel the prophet had to look for qualities beyond the physical. We'll talk about Goliath's challenge of Israel's armies, David's intentions to defeat him, and the ultimate resolution to that event. We will discuss the personal challenges we face in...

In this episode we'll discuss the Book of Ruth, which is the story of Ruth and Naomi and one of only two books in the Old Testament that is named for a woman. We'll talk about how one of the core lessons in Ruth's life is the principle of kindness. We'll review the saga of Ruth and Naomi, how they crossed paths with Boaz (who showed them kindness), and how they eventually became part of the ancest...

In this episode we'll discuss the Book of Judges, which is a retrospective of about four hundred years of history of the house of Israel. We'll talk about the similarities between these people and the people of the Book of Mormon regarding the "pride cycle" and how this can teach us to understand and accept the Lord's grace. We'll also discuss how our mental health can be affected for good or bad...

In this episode we'll discuss the Book of Joshua, which is the first of the historical books of the Old Testament. These books tell the faith-promoting stories that help us develop faith and move forward. We'll talk about the idea of personal purpose and how the greater we understand this the more progress we tend to make. We'll also discuss how following the Lord's direction can help us overcome...

In this episode we'll discuss the Book of Deuteronomy, which means a "second telling" of the law. It was a reminder from Moses to his people about the covenants they had made and the commandments they were to keep. We'll talk about the importance of reviewing and practicing things in order to commit them to memory. We'll review how mental health issues are largely driven by the things we think, wh...

In this episode we'll discuss the Book of Numbers, how it was basically a census or counting of the people. However, there are also several good stories of faith and obedience (or lack thereof) and the associated consequences. We'll talk about the fears of the children of Israel and how this kept them from promised blessings. We'll further discuss how lack of faith in God or understanding of His w...

In this episode we'll discuss the theme of the Book of Leviticus, how it was essentially a handbook for the children of Israel to keep the Law of Moses and to learn to grow closer to God. We'll talk about the way our thoughts influence our emotions. We'll further discuss how inaccurate ways of thinking can lead to emotional experiences that are distressing when they may not have to be. We'll do a...

In this episode we'll discuss how the children of Israel promised obedience to the ten commandments, including not worshiping other gods and not making any graven images. However, the shortly broke their promise after Moses delayed in returning from the mountain. They created a golden calf and worshipped it, resulting in a loss of the blessings associated with the higher law. We'll discuss how goo...

In this episode we'll discuss two lessons learned from Moses and his work with the children of Israel. We'll discuss the process by which Moses spoke with the Lord at Sinai, being required to go up and down the mountain to get information. This relates to our own challenges, what the Lord expects of us, and how effort is required to achieve things of value. We'll also discuss how Moses learned the...

In this episode there is no specific Old Testament discussion as the focus is on Easter. We'll discuss the Atonement of Jesus Christ, why that glorious intervention was needed, and how it helps us. We'll review the three portions of the Savior's Atonement, including universal resurrection from physical death and conditional redemption from spiritual death. We will also discuss the often overlooked...

In this episode we'll discuss the predicaments that the children of Israel found themselves in after leaving Egypt. We'll discuss the idea of manna and its relationship to daily work and progression. We'll also talk about the challenges of the Red Sea, the faith that Moses exercised, and the power of revelation to help us find solutions to our own problems. We'll discuss the relationship between f...

In this episode we'll discuss the plagues that God caused to come upon the Egyptians, and how Pharaoh refused to free the people until the last plague. We'll discuss the concept of hardness versus humility of heart. We also talk about the institution of the Passover, the types of the Savior in that event, and how the Israelites were commanded to remember the good things the Lord had done for them....

In this episode we'll discuss the first few chapters of Exodus, how the Israelites got in bondage to the Egyptians, and Moses' call as a prophet. We'll talk about some of the doubts that Moses experienced as part of his call and how the Lord provided a way for him. We also talk about how sometimes, when we are doing as the Lord has commanded, our lives become more challenging. We discuss how incre...

In this episode we'll discuss the second part of the story of Joseph of Egypt and his brothers. We learn how through the trials he faced, he became able to save his entire family, and the future of the house of Israel, from famine and likely certain death. We talk about how Joseph likely had great reason to hold a grudge against his brothers for their harsh treatment of him, yet he forgave them. W...

In this episode we'll discuss the trials faced by Joseph of Egypt, including his being sold into slavery, being tempted to violate his covenants of chastity, and eventually being incarcerated on false charges. We talk about how even though he was obedient, he was not protected from serious trials. Yet throughout the whole time, the Lord was with him. We'll discuss how this applies to our own lives...

In this episode we'll discuss the saga of Jacob and Esau, including Jacob's betrayal and Esau's resulting anger and aggression. We talk about how both Jacob and Esau were ultimately obedient to the Lord's invitations and their relationship was healed. We discuss how this can apply to our lives and our relationships, and how the Lord invites us to find happiness through improving our relationships...