Mormonism helping me through depression

[andypg]

Hi everyone!

I've been going through a tough break up and have been very depressed lately and have even stopped practicing my faith (Catholicism). I seemed to have lost hope. However, there is something I've noticed.

The other day I was listening to Joseph Smith's History from the Pearl of Great Price and was filled with this feeling of hope and joy, as if it were true.

Then today, just now actually, I saw a video on the Plan of Salvation. WOW! It put things in perspective and gives me hope. I need to see things through this plan!!

So pray for me. I may not be sold on the LDS Church or Joseph Smith, but the happiest and most hopeful I've been lately have been these two occurrences.

[Just_A_Guy]

We're pulling for you, Andy, and wish you the best.

[andypg]

Thanks. Hopefully reading the Book of Mormon will give me this same feelings. I've never read it.

[pam]

I would suggest saying a prayer each time you sit to read it. If you are comfortable with that.

[Lakumi]

I should give that a try, when I was in my depressed teen years I went down many paths, neo paganism, atheism, communism-I was an absolute mess.

And though there are things about the LDS church I may not be hugely keen about (I am still a solitary being-the whole extreme social thing, terrifies me)

But the people are nice and none of them have been cruel about my beliefs (I get called strange for my strange hobbies but that's got nothing to do with religion)

I wish you the best in your search and hope you find joy within.

[andypg]

Thanks, guys. I've never met any Mormons before, but I did find peace while watching LDS videos online (for the first time in a while)! :)

Thank God. Though I don't know if this means I continue looking into the LDS faith. Not sure.

[Suzie]

Andy, whatever you choose I wish you the best :)

[andypg]

Thanks, guys!

I just wanted to give a quick update:

Yesterday I went to my first ever LDS church service. It was 6 hours!!! (the regular 3, plus a baptism, potluck and fireside). And I will most likely be meeting with the sister missionaries soon.

This has all helped me so much recently! To think, this time last week I was having suicidal thoughts, now I'm happier than ever before!!!!

While I'm not ready to convert and don't really know/understand/believe some LDS beliefs (I may use this website to ask many questions) I am thankful to Heavenly Father and the Savior for this opportunity and for helping me overcome depression.

[Lakumi]

what's a fireside

[andypg]

They described it as a devotional. Basically, they invite a speaker to come give a talk. In our case it was on sacrifice, listening to the Holy Ghost, and marriage (both relating to sacrifice).

[Lakumi]

They described it as a devotional. Basically, they invite a speaker to come give a talk. In our case it was on sacrifice, listening to the Holy Ghost, and marriage (both relating to sacrifice).

I'm envisioning a bunch of people in comfy chairs by a fire chatting

potluck sounds delicious but... I tend to never talk when I eat so its the worst place to socialize for me:lol:

[andypg]

I'm envisioning a bunch of people in comfy chairs by a fire chatting

Yeah, they mentioned that chances are, if you invite a nonmember to a fireside they'll come dressed for a bonfire.

[andypg]

I'm figuring, that if I decide Mormonism is not for me, yet there are things in it I value and help me, I can take them and add them to my spiritual life and have a mix of different Christian denominations (I know,it's weird).

Sort of like a Later-Day Catholic lol.

[Lakumi]

Yeah, they mentioned that chances are, if you invite a nonmember to a fireside they'll come dressed for a bonfire.

it sounds like an LDS Cook-off (something I am sure exists)

[Roseslipper]

God is blessing you andypg I hope you can see this...

The feelings of peace u are feeling is the Holy Ghost testifying to you.

Think of this GOd is the greatest physician..and He loves you sooo much and wants the very best for you.With hope and faith we can conquer all things...

Im just learning to put my trust In God not the worlds thinking...When we seek the kingdom of GOd first all alse will fall into place...

[LaughingMan]

The Youth in our local Ward had a chili cook off a few weeks ago....... yeah it happens!!!

Firesides were exactly what they sound like in the earliest days of the Church. Leaders would

speak at small bonfires to local groups of members before the advent of electricity, especially

since so many of the members had no time during the day to devote.

I'm not sure entirely if they're related, but FDR had what he referred to as Fireside Chats broadcast over the radio on a weekly basis during the Great Depression.

Andy, I know what you mean. I've battled intense depression for years, and seen the abyss, and felt it drawing me in. The one constant that has kept me from being dragged down into intense mistakes in my life has been my faith. You must decide what is best for yourself. Either way, we'll welcome you to continue your dialogue with us.

Oh, Lakumi.... I'm partly Socialist!