My friend Marcus Bowers (BYU grad, two master’s degrees, never married/straight, early release missionary, once suicidal, Iraq veteran) joins us to bravely share his story. Marcus starts with coming home from his mission after two weeks (because of his emotional health) and feeling his path was not to return to full time missionary service and how we can better support early release missionaries.

Marcus then talks about getting on with his life (education, military, and his profession) and his journey with mental health issues which culminated in suicidal ideation leading to a stay in a psychiatric ward. Marcus talks about the importance of normalizing mental health struggles, so people feel safe opening up and getting help. Marcus shares what he’d say to his younger self and others feeling suicidal.

Marcus then talks about why he stays in the church and resources he used to navigate his own faith crises. Marcus talks about his service in his mid-singles ward and how we can “break the mold” to help all of God’s children feel welcome, needed, valued, and included. Marcus talks how he feels whole, not broken, while still being a work in progress — and not waiting to be married.

Thank you, Marcus, for being on the podcast. You are so brave. You are a remarkable man doing much good in our church community and society. Your story helps others. Thank you for your courage to be on the podcast.

Links:

Marcus on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderer.eternal

Marcus on Instagram: @marcussmusings

Marcus’ email: [email protected]

Richard Ostler books/bio/etc: www.papaostler.com