The following is excerpted from Mormon Life Hacker. Read the full article here.

Missionaries go to the MTC to learn their language, learn the gospel, and then teach the gospel so as to bring people unto Christ. That’s understandable because that is the focus of their calling. However, missionaries aren’t taught how to identify and minister to those who are experiencing depression or anxiety, let alone what should they do if they determine that they are experiencing these things themselves. A growing majority of the world’s population experiences or encounters depression and anxiety in some form, making education, specifically advice for missionaries with respect to these complex issues, almost as important as knowing  the gospel principles themselves.

While missionaries are not called to be therapists, knowing the signs of mental health concerns, as well as some suggestions for best practices in this cases, will enlarge discipleship opportunities and enrich mission-based relationships (including companionships).

Read the full article and listen to the podcast.