443: Addressing Real Mental Health Needs for the Full-time LDS Missionary episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 15, 2026 · 1H 3M

443: Addressing Real Mental Health Needs for the Full-time LDS Missionary

from Latter Day Struggles · host Valerie Hamaker

Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: "Latter Day Missionaries": A Mental Health Resource for LDS Missionaries & their Families [Part I of II]Do you know anyone who experienced issues with anxiety, depression, homesickness, getting along with that annoying companion, or struggles with shame and perfectionism on their LDS mission? Was that you? Your child? If you have been touched in any way with the LDS mission experience and would like a resource that is worth its weight in gold, this series is for you. In today's episode you will meet Dr. Bryson Ensign, a former LDS missionary and psychiatrist in training who has dedicated countless hours creating a resource that he wishes he had on his own mission. As a devoted listener to the Latter Day Struggles podcast, Bryson shares a passion with Valerie to help those in and around the LDS faith with issues of mental well being that are often not understood (and therefore not addressed ) at the institutional level. This episode shares his vision, sense of call, and an overview of his program. The next episode walks you through an entire segment of his curriculum (dealing with scrupulosity on the LDS mission). Enjoy!Find additional information on Dr. Ensign's program HERE.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:48 Bryson's Background and Faith 07:24 Why Mission Mental Health 10:56 Program Overview: Latter Day Missionaries 16:01 Mental Health Training Center 20:36 Lesson Topics and Tools 28:19 Designed for Every Faith Stage 33:13 Holding Complexity: Obedience, Shame, and Mental Health 36:13 Systemic Challenges and Early Returns 40:30 Real Stories: Missionaries Suffering in Silence 46:10 The Church, Mental Health, and Cultural Change 51:16 Personal Call and Inspiration 57:52 Next Episode: Scrupulosity Preview 01:00:00 Closing and ResourcesSupport the showSupport the showListen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODESFriday Episodes Annual Access $89Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10Valerie’s Support & Processing GroupsGift a ScholarshipDownload Free ResourcesVisit our Website

Send us a Positive Review! Series Title: "Latter Day Missionaries": A Mental Health Resource for LDS Missionaries & their Families [Part I of II] Do you know anyone who experienced issues with anxiety, depression, homesickness, getting along with that annoying companion, or struggles with shame and perfectionism on their LDS mission? Was that you? Your child? If you have been touched in any way with the LDS mission experience and would like a resource that is worth its weight in gold, thi...

NOW PLAYING

443: Addressing Real Mental Health Needs for the Full-time LDS Missionary

0:00 1:03:49

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Latter Day Struggles?

This episode is 1 hour and 3 minutes long.

When was this Latter Day Struggles episode published?

This episode was published on June 15, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: "Latter Day Missionaries": A Mental Health Resource for LDS Missionaries & their Families [Part I of II]Do you know anyone who experienced issues with anxiety, depression, homesickness, getting along with that...

Can I download this Latter Day Struggles episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!