212: Depression and Suicide: A Response to Elder Rasband’s “Face to Face,” September 13, 2020

Mormon Mental Health Podcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org

During a “Face to Face” with church youth on September 13th, 2020, Elder Donald Rasband answered questions including, “I have serious questions about the truth claims of the church and I am seriously considering removing my name from the records of the church. Can you give me a reason I should stay?”

He proceeds to answer with an example of a young man who had struggled with depression and suicidality.

Jeff Lundgren (https://www.symmetrysols.com/jefflundgren) hosts this episode of Mormon Mental Health Podcast to talk about the harm of Elder Rasband’s response. He is joined by:

Merri-Grace Allred, currently getting her PhD in Immunology from the University of Iowa

AJ Jano who shares his personal experiences with depression and suicidal ideation in the church

Alessandra Jacobson who is a Marriage and Family Therapist

Clair Mellenthin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Play Therapist Supervisor and author of, “Attachment Center Play Therapy: Play Therapy Proved Strategy for Child Disorders” and “My Many Colors of Me Workbook.” She is also a media expert on children and family issues.

And Michael Benjamin, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, primarily a therapist with children, adolescence and their families.

The panelists share their reactions to the response by Elder Rasband and then dive into advice for church leaders, parents and, really, all of us.

Resources discussed:

The National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255

suicidepreventionlifeline.org

My3 – A sucide prevention app

https://my3app.org

The Trevor Project

https://www.thetrevorproject.org

To help keep this podcast going past 2020, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.