Question
Hi Gramps,
I have been suffering from depression and anxiety most of my life. I don’t know if the Lord will remove it in this life or the next. It has been a struggle for me as well as for my marriage. I love Elder Holland’s talk from a few conferences ago. It is incredibly difficult to deal with. I love the Lord and try to do what is expected of me, such as reading scriptures and praying, but I feel that at times my prayers seem to hit a ceiling.
Jann
Answer
Jann,
When we face the storms of life, some questions press on the soul with exceptional weight: What happens after death, especially for those who suffer with depression, anxiety, or have died by suicide? Within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, these are not just theological riddles, but deeply personal concerns that touch the lives of countless individuals—both those who struggle and the loved ones who bear witness to their trials.
While misunderstandings and stigmas about mental health or suicide have burdened religious communities historically, the teachings of the Church offer a message of hope, healing, and infinite compassion.
One frequently misunderstood scripture comes from Alma 34:34 in the Book of Mormon:
“for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.”
On the surface, this verse can cause distress, especially for those grappling with mental health struggles—does it mean that depression, anxiety, or trauma “follow us” after we die? The context, however, clarifies its message.
Amulek, the speaker in Alma 34, is not warning about mental health conditions, but about the necessity of repentance in this life. His teaching is that a person who cherishes sin or refuses to change will not suddenly become righteous after death—it’s about spiritual disposition and moral agency, not about involuntary suffering or disorders stemming from trauma. If someone also felt depressed because, for example, that person had violated the Law of Chastity, then yes, that is a depression that would continue even into the next life until repentance occurs. However, as you know, PTSD is caused by trauma, and often brings with it depression and anxiety. That is likely about the sins of someone else, not you, so this scripture does not apply to your PTSD and related feelings.”
This distinction is critical. Depression or PTSD are not sins; they are illnesses or wounds—often the consequences of trauma endured, not wrongs committed. The Church’s teachings are clear: the scriptural warnings are not addressed to the mentally ill, but rather to those who are willfully rebellious.
Hebrews 9:27 reiterates, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” This affirms that our mortal life is our period of testing, as Abraham 3:25 declares: “We will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command.” There is no doctrine of reincarnation or a second round at mortality for those who suffer or die tragically. Instead, this life is our proving ground.
Few topics create as much anxiety for families as the fate of those who have died by suicide. Centuries of misinformation have stoked fears that suicide is a unique or unforgivable sin, or that those who die in such a manner suffer dire consequences in the world to come.
The teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in contrast, are grounded in profound mercy and understanding of mental suffering. Alma 40:11-12 offers this description:
“The spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, … are taken home to that God who gave them life. And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, … a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.”
Crucially, Church leaders and scriptures emphasize that we cannot judge the accountability of those who die by suicide. Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote:
“Persons subject to great stresses may lose control of themselves and become mentally clouded to the point that they are no longer accountable for their acts. Such are not to be condemned for taking their own lives. It should also be remembered that judgment is the Lord’s; he knows the thoughts, intents, and abilities of men; and he in his infinite wisdom will make all things right in due course.”
President Joseph F. Smith’s vision recorded in Doctrine & Covenants 138 further clarifies that work for the redemption of the dead—including those who died in darkness or bondage—continues beyond the grave. “The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God, … and after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are heirs of salvation.”
This theological perspective does not minimize suffering, but assures that ultimate judgment belongs to God—one who possesses infinite tenderness and perfect knowledge of each soul’s struggle, capacity, and circumstances.
For those weighed down by mental illness, chronic sadness, or the trauma-induced darkness that can feel unending, The Church’s teachings offer not only doctrinal clarity but genuine, attainable hope.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s landmark address “Like a Broken Vessel” addressed head-on the reality of depression, anxiety, and mental illness within covenant-keeping disciples: “I testify of the holy Resurrection, that unspeakable cornerstone gift in the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ! … I bear witness of that day when loved ones whom we knew to have disabilities in mortality will stand before us glorified and grand, breathtakingly perfect in body and mind. What a thrilling moment that will be!”
He continues, offering comfort to all who feel trapped in unending pain: “The day will come when you no longer struggle with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. … You will feel peace, joy, and freedom from triggers again. … Hope is never lost. If those miracles do not come soon or fully or seemingly at all, remember the Savior’s own anguished example: if the bitter cup does not pass, drink it and be strong, trusting in happier days ahead.”
The core promise of the gospel is not merely spiritual renewal, but literal healing and restoration of both mind and body. The resurrection will raise in power that which was sown in weakness—no scar, no pain, no clinical diagnosis will remain. For individuals who have endured mental suffering, and for their families, this promise is extraordinary.
Perhaps one of the most hopeful doctrines found in Church teachings is the ongoing opportunity for learning, growth, and healing in the life to come. President Joseph F. Smith’s vision affirmed that the faithful continue to preach repentance and redemption among those “under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead.”
This means that even for those whose earthly experiences ended in darkness or despair, the story isn’t finished. The plan of salvation continues to operate, and repentance, progress, and healing remain possible. Church authorities repeatedly caution against presuming either the condemnation or the salvation of those who die by suicide; such matters belong firmly in the hands of a perfectly just and merciful God.
For families and friends mourning loved ones lost to suicide, this doctrine is a lifeline. It removes the burden of judgment or fear, instead calling for trust in God’s wisdom and compassion. We are not to judge others as to their potential for salvation or not, nor can we anticipate who the Lord will and will not accept into His kingdom. We do not know the state of others’ minds or their level of accountability. So we leave that to God.
The journey of mental illness, anxiety, or grief over the suicide of a loved one can be long and heartbreaking. Yet, according to the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there is every reason for hope.
Neither depression nor trauma are eternal scars. In Christ, all things are made new. Judgment is in the hands of a loving Savior who knows every secret sorrow. The next life offers restoration, reconciliation, and the realization of peace and joy that may seem impossible now.
As Elder Holland concluded: “Believe in miracles. … Hope is never lost.”
No one is condemned for suffering, no soul is lost for struggling, and no loving God would deny healing to those wounded in the battle of mortality. Brighter days ahead are not just possible, they are divinely promised.
If you, or someone you love, struggles with depression or thoughts of self-harm, reach out for help. The trials you face do not define eternity, and hope—both here and hereafter—remains.
Gramps
