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Q:  I went to a member of my religious clergy six month ago to discuss some addiction and depression issues I am having. I spoke to him again this past Sunday and told him that I hadn’t made any progress. He told me that all the answers lie within our religion and I must not be utilizing them the way I should or could. He said that continuing to fast, pray, attend church, and read scriptures were the building blocks that I could rely on.  His advice was to recommit and “press forward” and we’d checkup in another 6 months.  When I left his office, I felt horrible and discouraged. My gut is telling me that I am in need of some professional help.  Would I be a good candidate for counseling?

A:  What a great question!!  Yes, I think you would be a good candidate for counseling. I have listed the reasons why I think counseling would help in my blog for the week.  Thank you for reaching out!

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There are so many things to keep in mind when getting advice regarding mental health or addiction from your religious clergy or anyone for that matter. 

  1. People mean well.  We look for advice from people we trust and know have our best interest in mind. Does that mean their guidance is correct?  No, not necessarily.
  2. Follow your gut.  If your instincts tell you to do something, pay attention.  The more we pay attention to our “gut” the more in tune we will be.  The less attention we pay, we may lose our instincts all together.
  3. Consider the source. Regarding issues of depression and addiction, look to a professional who has schooling in these fields for advice.  If religious clergy do not have training in diagnosing or treating addiction or depression they should be referring these problems out to mental health professionals.
  4. Guilt never works. Hearing and internalizing that you are not dedicated enough or under-utilizing your religious practices usually adds to discouragement...and addiction…and depression.  Instead of sitting with guilt, spend your energy looking for other resources and solutions.
  5. Assess religious practices. Practicing your religion through fasting, prayer, church attendance, and scripture reading can be beneficial practices.  If they work for you, keep it up. If these practices cause you anxiety and stress, consider understanding why, taking a break, or discontinuing them.
  6. Avoid “Insanity”. Albert Einstein defined insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”.  If you have a behavior pattern that you have not been able to change month after month, year after year, consider a different approach. If every time you seek advice from a particular individual and you always feel “horrible” afterward, look for another resource for advice.
  7. Seek professional help.  There are a lot of reasons why people struggle with depression and addictions. Mental illness, genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, lack of understanding of how to cope with stress and difficult emotions, and covering up painful memories are some of the reasons. To say “all the answers lie within our religion” is misguiding individuals from getting all the help they deserve.  Find a mental health professional to help you find the root of these issues and work on resolving them.

If you'd like to talk - please give me a call.
Florie Jackson, LCSW
801-455-7985

4505 S. Wasatch Blvd. Suite #330B
Holladay, UT 84124

Stop and take a minute to read through this. If you follow these tips you can start enjoying your holiday season more!

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real thing. Getting outside in the sun for even 10 or 20 minutes can have an amazing effect on your mood! If you absolutely can't get outside, consider getting a "day-light" lamp for your desk or living room.
Winter weather is actually very dehydrating. Drinking water is not only good for your health, it helps your mood!
Most people have that one scent that reminds them of something wonderful. Baking cookies, evergreen trees, candy canes, or gingerbread. Pleasant scents relax and refresh us.
Laughter IS the best medicine - and the best way to beat stress and the holiday blues as well!
Striving for perfection is a stress INDUCER. No one is perfect, and no one expects you to be. Lower your own expectations of yourself and do what makes you happy.
Especially at this time of year, there are so many opportunities to help others, but pick the ones that you truly enjoy. You CAN say no.
Do you spend days in the kitchen baking treats for the neighbors and pies for the family Christmas dinner? If it's no longer enjoyable, STOP. The neighbors and the family will be FINE with store bought treats and pies. What other holiday traditions are no longer enjoyable? Just because you've always done it doesn't mean you have to keep doing it.
This doesn't mean wolfing down a doughnut in the car. Getting a good start to the day is important year round. You will be more alert and less stressed any day you eat a healthy breakfast.
Put on some music you enjoy and just relax. Alone or with your family and friends. Even if you are working on a stress inducing task, listening to music while you do it will make it less stressful.
Don't be wired, just BE! Put down the phone. Turn off the computer. Turn off the TV. Even going "tech free" for 15 minutes to an hour allows your brain to reset and refocus without distraction.
I can't guarantee a stress free holiday, but these tips should help keep it to a minimum. As always, if you want to talk, give me a call - Florie W. Jackson LCSW

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florie-color-fbQ: I'm questioning my faith but am scared to discuss it with anyone. Would therapy be a good place to talk about it? - Sue from Provo

A: Questions of ones faith can be very complicated and confusing.  In my opinion it would be helpful for you to discuss it with someone, and yes, a therapist would be a good option.  One thing to keep in mind, look for a therapist who is unbiased in their approach.  That way you can decide what you believe and don't believe without their personal opinions being a part of it. Best wishes - Florie

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florie-color-fbQ: My boyfriend is really depressed. How do I get him to go to therapy? - Lisa from Midvale

A: I'm sorry to hear about your boyfriend's depression.  I understand it can be difficult for you and you may feel powerless to help. In my opinion, people won't go to therapy until they are ready.  And if they do go, they are resistant to change if they're are not there willingly.  My suggestion would be for you to enter into therapy yourself to understand how to navigate the relationship.  Best wishes - Florie

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Parenthood is difficult enough, in and of itself, let alone in this complicated world. We all worry about the effects today’s world will have on our children.  Whether they be 5 or 25, what can we do to help them?

  1. Be a support. Whatever our kids are dealing with, we can continuously reinforce that we are there for them. Checking in regularly and offering what type of support we can will keep those channels open.  Our hope is that they don’t feel alone in whatever issues they are dealing with.
  2. Lead by example. How are we surviving today’s world? Are we coping in healthy ways? If not, we may change some of our coping mechanisms in order to help ourselves and indirectly help our children.  For example, a little less “sparenting issuescreen time” and a little more spending time outside.
  3. Spend time together. Arrange and plan regular occasions to spend time with your children. Time can be spent face to face, with a group or family, or over FaceTime or Skype.
  4. Emphasis your faith in their abilities. Oftentimes we focus on our kid’s weaknesses vs. their strengths.  By doing this we undermine their sense of self.  By reinforcing our “you can do this” attitude, we have toward our children, we reinforce their confidence.
  5. Involve them in decision making and give them responsibilities. Sometimes it is hard for us, as parents, to give up control of family activities or decisions.  By delegating we can lighten our load and strengthen our children’s confidence in themselves at the same time.

Bottom Line: Rather than being passive, take a pro-active approach to being involved in our children’s lives.

-Florie W. Jackson, Salt Lake Counseling Services