Read more about the article 2 Nephi 31–33
CFM: Mental Health Insights

2 Nephi 31–33

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 doing difficult things is one of the best ways to improve our mental and emotional health. As we engage in challenging tasks of improvement, we’ll find we achieve greater and more consistent change over time.

0 Comments
March 18, 2024
Read more about the article What Every Bishop Needs to Understand About Betrayal Trauma
Leading Saints

What Every Bishop Needs to Understand About Betrayal Trauma

Ashly Leavitt has an associate degree in theatre and music, a bachelor's degree in broadcast communications, and a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. After a 10-year career as an educator, Heavenly Father made it clear that He wanted her to shift to counseling and specialize in betrayal trauma recovery, relationship repair, and divorce recovery. Ashly loves helping those who have experienced betrayal trauma to discover and reconnect with themselves again. As a co-founder of Rejoice! Recovery, she enjoys using her educator and counselor experiences together to create classes on healing and relationships, leading discussions on boundaries, and co-hosting the podcast, Phoenix Forte: Connecting to Healing and Joy After Divorce. You can catch Ashly presenting at conferences and retreats. On Sunday, you'll find her serving in her all-time-favorite calling as a Relief Society instructor. Ashly has previously served in Primary and Young Women's Presidencies, but she's been honored to serve by teaching Relief Society in multiple wards over the last 12 years. However, Ashly’s biggest accomplishment is managing to survive as a single mom of two. During her free time (if such a thing exists) you would find Ashly supporting the local theatre scene, playing board games with friends and family, participating in the Lamb of God Easter production on Temple Square, and laughing with her kids while they dance in the kitchen together. Links

0 Comments
March 16, 2024
Read more about the article 2 Nephi 26–30
CFM: Mental Health Insights

2 Nephi 26–30

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. We’ll discuss how the process of mental health change, and any other personal change, takes time and consistency. 

0 Comments
March 11, 2024
Read more about the article 2 Nephi 20–25
CFM: Mental Health Insights

2 Nephi 20–25

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 take responsibility for our own choices, we automatically get more power and motivation to make positive change. 

0 Comments
March 4, 2024
Read more about the article 2 Nephi 11–19
CFM: Mental Health Insights

2 Nephi 11–19

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 to meet our own preferences. We’ll also discuss how everyone has access to peace and happiness in their lives, but only upon obedience to the principles that govern such feelings. 

0 Comments
February 26, 2024
Read more about the article 2 Nephi 6–10
CFM: Mental Health Insights

2 Nephi 6–10

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, and how these writings clearly communicate hope to all who struggle with challenges. We’ll discuss how coping with mental health issues requires consistent work and effort, but is quite possible. 

0 Comments
February 19, 2024
Read more about the article 2 Nephi 3–5
CFM: Mental Health Insights

2 Nephi 3–5

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 was able to rise about his challenges. We’ll review the applications for mental health and emphasize how taking accountability for our mental health improvement is one of the best paths to success in this area.

0 Comments
February 12, 2024
Read more about the article How American Boys and Men Are Falling Behind – and What We Can Do to Help Them
Top of Mind with Julie Rose

How American Boys and Men Are Falling Behind – and What We Can Do to Help Them

In the US, women and girls now outperform men and boys at every level of education. Boys are less likely to graduate from high school, enroll in college or finish college. Men are more likely to die by suicide, and they aren't participating in the labor market as much as they used to either. In the last forty years, American society has made concerted efforts to boost opportunities for women and girls. That job is not finished, so when we talk about gender inequality in America, it makes sense that the conversations tend to be about women. But American boys and men are falling behind. Have we accidentally overlooked their struggles? Today on Top of Mind, we're looking at a few of the issues facing modern men and boys, and how to help them. We talk to a program director working with boys of color in Baltimore, an economist who’s studied what it means for boys to be raised in single parent households at a record rate, an academic who’s been following these trends for years, and the founder of a nonprofit with an unusual approach to supporting men in their mental health struggles.

0 Comments
February 5, 2024
Read more about the article 2 Nephi 1–2
CFM: Mental Health Insights

2 Nephi 1–2

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 provided assurances and we had the chance to decrease anxiety and increase faith as we chose to belief in Him. We’ll emphasize how increasing faith is one way to help manage anxiety. 

0 Comments
February 5, 2024