LDS missionaries face mental health stigma after returning home

This project was a collaboration among students and faculty at BYU. I wrote one article as part of a series about mental health and LDS missionaries. My article was the main piece for the project and was accompanied by a documentary. Our series won the "Best Feature Series" Award from Utah Press Association's Better Newspaper Contest in 2017.

Dealing with depression and anxiety as an LDS missionary

Dealing with depression and anxiety as an LDS missionary

Richard Leggieri reflects on serving an LDS Mission while dealing with depression and anxiety.



I contacted a number of willing participants from a contact list who reached out and were interested in sharing their stories and experiences for the documentary and articles. I did a video interview with one participant (shown above) and used Adobe Premiere Pro to create a visual aid to accompany my article.



LDS missionaries face mental health stigma after returning home

LDS missionaries face mental health stigma after returning home

LDS young adults serve voluntary missions for 18-24 months. Some missionaries return home from their service early due to mental health struggles.



I also used interviews from medical professionals and other adults who came home from their LDS missions early due to mental health issues. This project was eye-opening and was intended to raise awareness of the struggles of mental health and the judgment and ostracization these young adults face upon arriving home early. I am personally passionate about mental health and was happy to participate in a project that raises awareness and decreases the stigma.