Let's Talk About Religion and Mental Health

The Let's Talk About series will include small, approachable books on important LDS topics—some controversial and others not. Each will be written by trusted, faithful scholars who can thoroughly explain the topic, including crucial key issues to consider, but will be presented in a less scholarly tone than the Gospel Topics essays. For people who have sincere questions and are seeking answers, this series will provide access to the some of the best thinking in the Church.<P>Why do some of us suffer from mental illness? How can we find a greater measure of peace and well-being? In Let's Talk about Religion and Mental Health, psychologist Daniel K. Judd explores these questions and more from the perspective of both the restored gospel and modern science. Using examples from Church history, scripture, and his own ministry, Judd illustrates that even the most faithful among us can suffer from mental illness and emotional distress. Modern medical practices, combined with a better understanding of God and the Atonement of Jesus Christ, can help us find the peace we seek and healing for our hearts and minds.

Daniel K Judd is the dean of Religious Education and a professor in the Department of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University. He holds a master's degree in family science and a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from BYU. Judd has served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a bishop, stake president, First Counselor in the General Presidency of the Sunday School, and served with his wife, Kaye, as mission president and companion in West Africa. He was also a member of the board of trustees of LDS Family Services. He and his wife are the parents of four children.