Mission Possible

A Guide to Mental Health for LDS Missionaries and Their Mission Presidents, Parents, Bishops and Therapists

By: L. Marlene Payne MD

Narrated by: Rachel Payne

Length: 3 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

When should an LDS missionary stay on a mission, despite mental health challenges? When should they go home early? Spiritual growth is more accelerated and intense on a mission than in regular life. While a mission is a deeply rewarding experience, it can also be stressful. L. Marlene Payne, MD, has been a psychiatrist for over 40 years, specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. She has treated many LDS missionaries over the decades. Dr. Payne received the highest award given by the American Psychiatric Association, the Distinguished Life Fellow, for her years of service to the community. In this book Dr. Marlene Payne provides a guide to mental health for missionaries, their families, church leaders and therapists. Through anonymous case studies and personal interviews with mission presidents and returned missionaries, she addresses the most common psychiatric disorders, their definition, course, and treatment, including: bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, body dysmorphic disorder and Asperger's syndrome. Dr. Payne also advises ecclesiastical leaders and ward members on how they can best help when a missionary comes home early. But most importantly, she offers valuable advice on how a missionary can stay on and complete a successful mission.

©2015 L Marlene Payne (P)2016 L Marlene Payne

Great book with some very spiritual accounts

What made the experience of listening to Mission Possible the most enjoyable?

The spiritual experiences included in the accounts of the various people involved. This is a critical piece of work, both for those struggling with the challenges reviewed, as well as those needing to give them love, support and direction. It is incredibly important for leaders, teachers, and individuals to understand that "All the minds and spirits that God ever sent into the world are susceptible of enlargement." (Joseph Smith) This book, and the work that preceded it, are vivid clarity of that point.

What did you like best about this story?

Feeling the Spirit testify of the truths associated with bringing clarity, love and support to our brothers and sisters as they work through challenges whose solutions are not immediately obvious to the rest of us. This is so critical for our time!

What does Rachel Payne bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Rachel Payne's reading was right on the mark for me with this book. Her reading ability was perfect for the material, was not distracting, but felt natural, supportive, and authoritative. Well done Rachel Payne.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Releasing the captive

Any additional comments?

Excellent book. It has given me pause to reflect on several occasions. It delivers a solid message of hope, for leaders, families, and those struggling with mental and emotional concerns themselves. "Where there is no vision, the people perish" - This book provides the vision and perspective that these challenges can be successfully over come. Thank you Dr. Payne for writing and sharing this wonderful book.