020 - Christ Strengthened My Mental Health
Nearly 2.2 million people in the United States are impacted by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While it might seem overpowering and debilitating, today’s guest Jordan Jensen relied on his strong relationship with Christ to make a change in his life, overcome his OCD, and grow closer to Christ.
Jordan began to display signs of OCD at 13 years of age.
His father had bipolar disorder, so there were elements of mental illness in his family.
After his dad received professional help, it dawned on Jordan that there might be mental illness affecting him.
In 1996, he used the limited internet access available to research his symptoms and was diagnosed with OCD in 1997 by the same psychiatrist who saw his father.
While Jordan’s family couldn’t relate to his OCD, his father’s illness meant his family was supportive and understanding of those with mental illnesses, which makes the situation dramatically better.
It was a long, difficult journey to gain control.
At 19 years old, Jordan traveled to Canada on a mission with his church. The president over his mission was very supportive with helping him by finding professional counselors.
While Jordan received professional support, the president also gave him spiritual support that was a crucial component in working through his demons.
The president said his OCD might impact his marriage later in life. Jordan interpreted that to mean that it might prevent him from becoming a husband completely.
This realization made him determined to overcome his illness.
At first, Jordan struggled after returning home. He hit rock bottom and realized he’d never have a family if he stays the way he is now.
From that point on, he prayed, fasted, read scripture, visited professionals, and took medication to minimize his symptoms.
Over time, he started to see the fruits from his labors. Christ magnified his efforts to help his heart and mind.
Jordan began to live the life he wanted.
In 2001, he couldn’t even get a girlfriend. But as Jordan grew more confident and social, he eventually met his future wife in 2006 and they married in 2008.
To this day Jordan takes medication and visits healthcare professionals every six months. But as long as he practices what he’s learned, Jordan functions on a plane that’s brought him personal and professional success.
While he’s put in a lot of work to get where he is, Jordan knows it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Jesus Christ.
Jordan’s advice to people dealing with mental health issues:
Some regions have a cultural perception that mental health issues can be shaken off and don’t need support.
His spiritual faith was what helped him persevere, because he wouldn’t be able to finish God’s plan if he let his mental illness run his life.
Before you think or do anything else, find a quiet place and speak to your heavenly father. Talk to him, be transparent, and tell him everything you’re feeling.
After that, go to someone you trust, and talk to them about your problem. God will eventually lead you to the person who can help, but you have to remain committed and determined to make progress.
To get in touch with Jordan, go to freedomfocused.com or email him at jordan.jensen@freedomfocused.com. He also writes a weekly blog about personal change, which you can sign up for free.
MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle
(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
