Recognizing mental illness

PROVO — It's a disease that's estimated to strike as many as 15 million Americans, but nearly two-thirds of them are not getting help.

It can be life-threatening if left untreated, yet some insurance companies won't pay the medical bills. Many sufferers think they brought the illness upon themselves, and family and friends often tell them all they need is more will power to get better.

Few diseases encounter the misconceptions and myths that surround mental illness, one of the topics selected as a focus of Brigham Young University's Families Under Fire conference. The conference brings LDS Church members together to learn about topics affecting their families.

This year's opening address on mental illness and families was given by Elder Alexander B. Morrison, an emeritus member of the Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who wrote "Valley of Sorrow."

The book addresses coping with mental illness from an LDS perspective.

Although not a mental-health professional, Morrison, the father of a mentally ill daughter, has dealt with many of the issues surrounding mental illness. In his address, he focused on the myths and misconceptions surrounding mental illness, including some specific to the LDS population.

"People tend to believe that a priesthood blessing is all you need — just go get a priesthood blessing and you'll be fine," Morrison said in an interview after his address. "Priesthood blessings don't cure all cancers or all heart disease. Why would we think that all you need is a priesthood blessing if you are mentally ill?"

Morrison said that members who suggest only a spiritual action often do more harm than good, especially if the person who is mentally ill already struggles with his or her self-perception.

"When that kind of stuff is presented to the mentally ill —'All you need is a priesthood blessing' — and then it doesn't work, then they just get cynical, they get discouraged and think, 'Well, either God doesn't want me, I'm useless to him.' "

Morrison said those affected by mental illness cannot rely solely on bishops for healing but require treatment from heath-care professionals. He said church members who believe the problem is spiritual are mistaken.