In the Africa West Area, leaders and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are increasingly embracing the principles of self-reliance, mental health, and emotional resilience. This shift is largely due to the efforts of Family Services and the ongoing conversations they’ve sparked regarding these essential topics.
A Shifting Mindset on Mental Health
Tamara Esi Dadson, a Family Services agency manager for the area, travels across 17 countries in West Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal, to train Church leaders on recognizing and addressing the emotional health needs of the members they serve. While mental health was once a taboo subject, Dadson has seen a change as more Church leaders engage in these trainings and begin discussing mental health more openly.
“When I first started, people didn’t understand what mental health meant. Many thought it was only for those with mental illness. Nobody wanted to be associated with anything about mental health,” Dadson shared. But attitudes began to shift as discussions around mental well-being grew more common, and as local leaders attended trainings offered by Family Services.
Dadson recalled a pivotal experience when a ward leader in a rural town used the Gospel Library app to guide members to the Life Help section. This section includes advice on topics like abuse, addiction, grief, unemployment, and—importantly—mental health. Dadson saw this as a sign that the work she was doing was not only meaningful to her but also aligned with the Lord’s work.
Empowerment through Emotional Health Education
As attitudes change, more members are benefiting from mental health resources. Leaders are now openly discussing emotional well-being in church meetings, and this has encouraged members to seek help when needed. Dadson shared that many members now feel they don’t need to hide their struggles. They know they can approach their leaders with confidence, knowing that mental health is part of the conversation in the Church.
Dadson described witnessing a humbling change as members and leaders recognized the need to better understand their own emotional health and the well-being of their families.
A Personal Connection
On a personal level, Dadson’s experiences in the Nigeria area were particularly moving. Returning to Nigeria, where her parents had once served as mission leaders, was an emotional homecoming. While unforeseen circumstances forced a training session to be rescheduled to a Monday, when most people were working, Dadson was surprised to find the room packed with eager attendees. The community’s trust in the Church was evident, and they were eager to learn.
This experience reaffirmed to Dadson that this work is not about individual achievement. It is about doing the Lord’s work and allowing Him to guide her to where she is needed most. As she reflected on the event, she felt the strength of the Lord’s hand in her efforts, realizing that the work she was doing was part of a much larger, divine plan.
The Changing Role of Family Services
The efforts of Family Services, particularly in regions like West Africa, are demonstrating how faith communities can play a pivotal role in transforming attitudes around mental health. By incorporating mental health discussions into daily life and offering resources, the Church is creating a more supportive environment for its members.
Dadson’s work highlights a broader movement in many parts of the world, where mental health is increasingly seen as integral to overall well-being. As leaders and members embrace emotional resilience, they are fostering a more open and supportive Church environment, empowering individuals to seek the help they need and recognize the value of mental health in their lives.
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