[Question and advice]

Thank you all for the clarity and information! Your time and replies are greatly appreciated. I've been trying to find comforting words and figured maybe some absolutes (like timing) would make him feel better. Knowing and remembering that forgiveness and the repentance process are dependent on the person who has sinned is just what was needed. And to Jane_Doe 

2 hours ago, Jane_Doe said:

Church discipline is a very case-by-case thing.  There's no set rules.  His willingness to work at it, and admittance to needing the help will be of great benefit in the process (that's half the battle).  Openness, honesty, and humility are incredible assets. 

It sounds like you're being a really good friend during this whole thing.

That's what family is for. If there's one thing I'm grateful for, it's times like these where trials bring us closer to our Father in Heaven and each other. 

Once again, thank you all!

[Helping loved ones with depression]

On March 10, 2016 at 2:18 AM, Jojo Bags said:

I fought major depression my entire life until a little over four years ago.    The last nearly eleven years I was suicidal.  I was tried on nearly two dozen psychotropic drugs, none of which worked.  They didn't do a single thing to help.  I went through about a dozen therapists, several of whom were LDS.  All they did was to tell me what to do without letting me talk.  That didn't work.  What did work was finally dealing with my past and talking. 

I had to deal with years of sexual abuse and rape.  I eventually found my wife, who practically had to use a crow bar to force me to talk.  Once I started talking, I talked about the same thing over and over again until the memories began losing their power and became less painful.  My wife studied psychology for quite a while, so she was able to ask the right questions.  I had suppressed many memories, which slowly began to return.  The more I talked, the more they returned. 

It was like I was a little boy all over again each time a new memory popped up.  I could vividly remember the abuse, the physical pain, and the terror from each and every time I was forcibly raped and molested.  Even as I write this post, my heart is racing and the fear comes back a bit.  Many people who deal with depression have some unresolved issue from their past or a current issue that causes them dissonance.  Until they deal with those issues, the depression will continue.  Some depression is situational and they may need to get out of the situation that is causing the problem.  If that isn't possible, then the only way to deal with it is a change of perspective.

The one thing that everyone overlooks is the role evil spirits play in depression.  While they may not necessarily always cause the depression, they often make it much worse.  This is where the priesthood comes in.  I have found that whenever my mood changes for the worse for no apparent reason, I need look no further than to the evil spirits causing the trouble.  Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, the grandfather of both Elder J. Reuben Clark and Pres. Spencer W. Kimball and personal friend of Pres. Brigham Young.  Bishop Woolley gave an interesting talk in general conference.

When you're troubled by evil spirits, do as we are taught in the temple ceremony and cast them out and then get a blessing.  This isn't a cure all for depression, but it does help.

To Jojo and all of you; thank you so much for this. I'm a new member to this forum and I came with specific difficult questions which don't have as much content that I feel has helped me much. My fiancé suffers with depression and these types of forums have helped me so much in understanding him more. I know how to help him physically and spiritually. These tips, articles, and content in general has done wonders in relieving his stress, worries, anxieties, and other ailments that come with depression. I know that it was with the Lord's guidance that I found this thread. Thank you all

[Question and advice]

A family member has opened up to me and has expressed that he may be at risk for excommunication. He is going to be seen by a church disciplinary council soon. Although he did some things he wasn't supposed to I know he is a wonderful person and that while it hurts to be in this situation, everything will still be ok. He has expressed the same sentiments. He and I were wondering about how long (if he were to be excommunicated) would it take to be rebaptized? And later to receive his endowments again? 

We also would like to know, what is some good advice to follow while he tries to comeback. Church articles on excommunication, personal experiences anyone is willing to share, church music etc. He is already eager and seeking ways to help himself to become worthy once again. 

Thank you in advance to those who can offer some more enlightenment, and prepare him for what may or may not happen.

 

*note; he understands the gravity of the situation and is being judged by wonderful, inspired, loving, compassionate, priesthood holders. I beg that we do not judge him, or share personal opinion. Please post positive things, doctrine, and sincere help. Thank you