Book debunks myths about mental illness

Nothing can kill a good time faster than trying to share it with someone who has a cause.

Take what can happen during the Academy Awards, for example. There you are, sitting in front of the TV with your little bowl of popcorn, eager to enjoy the spectacle of (in the words of male model Derek Zoolander) "really, really ridiculously good-looking people" in designer clothes getting prizes. But INSTEAD of hearing them utter a simple thank you to the Academy, you have to listen to them lecture you (and also the Chinese government) on freeing Tibet.

Having a cause will do that to people — consume them to the point they lose perspective, not to mention their senses of humor.

OK, I say this by way of warning. I myself have this little "cause" thing going on right now, and I'm hoping it's NOT turning me into a bore. But if I could, I'd make "Valley of Sorrow: A Layman's Guide to Understanding Mental Illness for Latter-day Saints" by Elder Alexander B. Morrison required reading in book groups up and down the Wasatch Front. Published by Deseret Book, "Valley of Sorrow" is obviously intended for an LDS audience. Still, there's a wealth of frank information for everyone in this straightforward, accessible book.

In addition to discussing what seem to be the most commonly encountered forms of mental illness (anxiety and eating disorders, depression and schizophrenia), Elder Morrison looks at the "myths and misconceptions" still surrounding these conditions, particularly in the LDS culture.

1. "All mental illness is caused by sin." Don't laugh. One of my son's religion professors actually made the claim he was certain that a lot of what currently passes for "depression" is the result of transgressions that have not been cleared up with the proper priesthood authorities.

2. "Someone is to blame for mental illness." Here's the worst part. A lot of patients blame themselves for their illness, apparently unaware THAT MOM AND DAD ARE ALREADY BUSY BLAMING THEMSELVES.

3. "All that people with mental illness need is a priesthood blessing." It goes without saying that Elder Morrison, an emeritus general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, believes in the power of priesthood blessings. But he makes it very clear that individuals suffering from mental illnesses should be lovingly encouraged to seek qualified medical attention.

4. "Mentally ill people just lack willpower." If only "picking yourself up by your bootstraps" was that easy. And excuse me, but what exactly is a "bootstrap" anyway? And also, where can I buy one?