212: Depression and Suicide: A Response to Elder Rasband’s “Face to Face,” September 13, 2020

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org

During a “Face to Face” with church youth on September 13th, 2020, Elder Donald Rasband answered questions including, “I have serious questions about the truth claims of the church and I am seriously considering removing my name from the records of the church. Can you give me a reason I should stay?”

He proceeds to answer with an example of a young man who had struggled with depression and suicidality.

Jeff Lundgren hosts this episode of Mormon Mental Health Podcast to talk about the harm of Elder Rasband’s response. The panelists share their reactions to the response by Elder Rasband and then dive into advice for church leaders, parents and, really, all of us. 

Jeff is joined by:

Merri-Grace Allred, a Immunology PhD student at the University of Iowa

Allessandra Jacobsen, a Marriage and Family Therapist

Clair Mellenthin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Play Therapist Supervisor .

Michael Benjamin, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

and AJ Jano, shares his personal experiences with depression and suicidal ideation in the church.

Resources discussed:

The National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255

My3 – A sucide prevention app

The Trevor Project


To help keep this podcast going past 2020, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org

Jeffrey Lundgren, CMHC is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor specializing in men’s issues, relationships and couples, anxiety, depression, faith transitions, interfaith relationships, anger, and spirituality.  Jeff works with people of all ages, including families and older children and teens.

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