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Ask a Latter-day Saint therapist: Can I overcome my eating disorder through faith alone?

Editor's Note: The views, information, or opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author. Readers should consider each unique situation. This content is not meant to be a substitute for individual, professional advice.

Balancing faith and mental health

A young mother struggling with bulimia was asked one day by her therapist if she ever prayed. “She lived on a small farm, had a simple life and she was a wonderful mother,” said Michael Berrett, a psychologist who specializes in eating disorders. “But she hated herself with a passion. She was throwing up five times a day.”

Latter-day Saint Life

10 Scientific Tips for Finding Optimism in the Gospel

How strong is your hope for the future? Are you optimistic?

Defending the Faith: Moral law is no product of evolution

In one of his dialogues, the Greek philosopher Plato cites his beloved teacher, Socrates, as saying that "philosophy begins in wonder." Plato's student Aristotle expresses a similar sentiment in his "Metaphysics": "It was their wonder, astonishment, that first led men to philosophize and still leads them."

The surprising faith of 8 American presidents

Presidential religious lives are, for the most part, rather unremarkable--just like the majority of Americans they represent. As the 2012 presidential race, and especially the Republican nomination, dominate the news, the religion of the sometimes-frontrunner Mitt Romney continues to be an issue for many Republican voters. Americans have a hard time imagining a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a Mormon, as President. Yet Mormonism is, perhaps, the most American of all religions, founded by an American citizen and based on a sacred text that tells the story of God's work in the Americas. As many question Romney's religious heritage, it would be enlightening to look at eight presidents whose religious lives have troubled and fascinated Americans, or whose faiths may surprise us even today.

When faith and football don't mix

Where's the line between freedom of religion and the separation of church and state? It's a question many cities and particularly public schools have had to ask in the past few months. Most recently, a group of high school cheerleaders in Texas have come under fire for using biblical quotes and banners at football games. While the Constitution does support an individual's right to worship, it also frowns upon the state, or in this case a state-sponsored school, endorsing a religion. Thus, public schools must walk a blurry line between allowing participants to express personal beliefs without those beliefs being attached to the school as an endorsement.

Famous Latter-day Saints

Brad Wilcox and Amy H. White Address Faith and Happiness

Brother Wilcox and Sister White began by defining grace. Brother Wilcox told of a young girl that thought she must be perfect for Christ, but later understood that she is perfected in Christ. Members of the church often misunderstand the concept of grace.

Latter-day Saint Life

Eva Witesman: Of Signs, Prayers, and Puppies

By Eva Witesman

As I watch the fledgling faith of my children grow, it is hard to teach the parallel truths that miracles and signs and wonders are real, that we should pray in faith for the desires of our hearts, and that sometimes (most times?) we may not get what we asked for.

Fun

Gospel Lessons Hidden in 'The Polar Express' Shared By Sister Carole M. Stephens

Watching the movie “The Polar Express” recently with her grandson, Sister Stephens was reminded of the importance of trusting the still, small voice of the Spirit. One of the movie’s characters, a young girl, always seemed to know the right thing to do but questions from others often led her to feel doubt. S

Latter-day Saint Life

President Obama: "Jesus Is a Good Cure for Fear"

President Obama's most recent National Prayer Breakfast speech focused on the way faith can overcome fear in our lives. He also talked about our need to love others, particularly those of other faiths, and that this love will help us conquer our differences. These statements reminded me of what prophets and apostles have taught throughout the centuries: