My friend Clark Barrow (RM, Active LDS, Age 24, Married) bravely shares his journey with self-harm. Clark (who was on episode 398 with his siblings supporting their gay father Alec) talks about returning home from his mission to Utica, New York after 9 months with a knee injury. Clark talks about the anxiety of being home and how that experience led to significant anxiety and stress about when/if to return to his mission. That led Clark to finding a coping mechanism to numb the pain in self-harm. Clark talks about the shame and stigma around self-harm.

Clark returned to Utica, New York and served for another 9 months before the stress/anxiety of the mission led Clark to turn to his copying mechanism of self-harm. Clark, showing great courage, opened up to his companion and Mission President which resulting in Clark returning home.

Clark talks about being an early release missionary (twice) and what we can do to better support these good missionaries. Clark also talks about what led him to finally open up and get help with self-harm and begin his recovery. Clark is sharing his story to reduce the shame and stigma around self-harm to help others.

Clark’s wife Tegan shares her thoughts about self-harm and how they love and support each other—and the importance of being open and honest during the dating process (which helps create a foundation of trust and vulnerability that is one of the keys to a successful marriage).

Thank you, Clark and Tegan, for being on the podcast. Your story will help so many. Thank you for your courage and voice of hope!

** Please check out my new book that has a chapter about mental health and early-release missionaries: deseretbook.com/p/listen-learn-love or amazon.com/dp/1462139566**