Kasten

Aphrodite, you have some very valid points. I'm not going to defend my answer really. I guess I had to start somewhere. And I guess that for me was the Book of Mormon. Is my testimony based solely on that? I sure hope not. But it gave me a beginning. Somewhere to begin looking for the truth. But thanks, sincerely, for pointing out the flaw in my reasoning. It really gave me things to think about.

You know, I went through a similar time. I'm a typical raised in the church Mormon. I was going to BYU-Idaho and attending my religion class, when I began having doubts. Did I really believe what I was being taught? I was confused! I expressed my concerns to my father (a stout member), and he asked me one question. Did I believe that the Book of Mormon was a true record. That, for some reason, was a clear "yes." If the Book of Mormon is true, that makes Joseph Smith a prophet. If Joseph Smith was a prophet then . . . So I continued going to my religion class. The assignment was in Alma. And I found these verses, and they have become some of my favorite ever since. The verse was Alma 32:27. It basically says that if you want to believe, you can "experiment" upon the words and gain a testimony. You really need to read the chapter to put it into perspective, because then it compares it to a seed, and how it grows. I would highly recommend those scriptures, think about it, and do . . . whatever. Good Luck.

I guess I'm writing this, because I can empathise with what your going through. I was depressed for many years before it was diagnosed. But though I was put on mood stabilizers AND antidepressants, it didn't seem to help much, and I needed help! I tried to explain to my mother what I was going through (I was going to college, and living at home), and she didn't believe me and so wasn't very supportive. My father on the other hand, had bouts himself, and was able to give a listening ear (which I desperately needed). I eventually told friends, and found that often they were more supportive than family. But there is one place that I have always gotten help. And that is through the Bishop/Branch President. My bishop at the college ward really brought to light Christ's Atonement for all. Did you know that Alma the Younger had emotions exactly like a depressed person? I would suggest you read when he is telling his son what he went through. At the end Alma cries, "Have mercy on me!" And the Atonement heals him. And he talks of happiness after that. (I'm sorry I don't have my scriptures right near to give references.) Each Priesthood leader, gave me something else to build on, and I survived one day at a time. I got friends that could help a little bit, each in a different way. And now I've discovered a different avenue of help. Compassionate service leader in the Relief Society. They are supposed to find those that need help, and get them help. They are maybe not the specific person to "help" you. But there is that thought. Good luck to you. Have hope.