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SALT LAKE CITY — A video sharing Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s experience with depression has been viewed 1 million times since it was posted Monday.
The 11-minute video, which was released by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through Holland’s Facebook page, elicited thousands of comments from people who have been affected by depression, both on the original video post and other social media platforms.
The video starts by noting that “more than 16 million U.S. adults had at least one major depressive episode in the past year.” It weaves the story behind Holland’s October 2013 General Conference talk on the topic with the experiences of multiple other people.
“Three years ago, I felt impressed to speak at general conference about the painful, life-altering condition of depression that affects so many,” the post on Holland’s Facebook page reads. “... We came to earth to face issues of mortality in the form of trials, temptations, disease, and death. It is essential for us to face personal struggles because opposition is a crucial part of Father’s plan.”
“I suppose everybody will have some kind of an experience where they say, ‘I’m never going to be happy again,’” the post continues. “Well, we are going to be happy again. That is also a part of the plan. It’s the very nature of it. Hang on and hope.”
I've always loved Elder Holland. Always. But never have I loved him as much as I do right right this minute.... https://t.co/iQXJXoiOEP
— Childless LDS Group (@ChildlessLDS) June 20, 2016
As one who fights this darkness in my life I am very grateful for this message. There is hope. https://t.co/gJnjFHGCQA
— Cory Milligan (@Statuseye) June 21, 2016
I love Elder Holland, and this is stellar advice. Just hang on. https://t.co/luIPeWRZLK
— Candace E. Salima (@CandaceSalima) June 21, 2016
The video ends by directing viewers to the recently launched “Living with Mental Illness” page on the LDS Church’s website at mentalhealth.lds.org. The resource includes more in-depth interviews with several of the people featured in the video posted on Holland’s Facebook page.
“Broken minds can be healed just the way broken bones and broken hearts are healed,” the post on Holland’s Facebook page reads. “While God is at work making those repairs, the rest of us can help by being merciful, non-judgmental, and kind.”
Contact the author at ncrofts@ksl.com or find her on Twitter.
