Resources for Individuals |
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If you
are at odds with your same-sex attractions, there is a way out.
The following are areas that most people have had to
address. The more effort you apply in each of these areas, the easier your way out will be. | |
| Behavior | This section explains that you can choose your behavior, how habits and addictions can compromise your power to choose, and how you can be safe by carefully setting personal boundaries on your actions. It warns against justifying homosexual behavior and discusses the concepts of temptation and sin. The section then gives suggestions for changing your behavior patterns and warns of the dangers of homosexual behavior. Finally, it gives specific counsel about controlling fantasy, pornography, masturbation, cruising, and homosexual behavior. |
| Deciding | To be successful in diminishing erotic same-sex attractions and overcoming homosexual behavior, you must be willing to make a total commitment to the change process. This section gives several ideas on how to make choices, accept responsibility, and set a personal plan of action to achieve your goals. |
| Depression & Suicide | Includes: (1) what Church leaders have said about suicide and our response to it, (2) suicide warning signs among youth, and (3) suicide, depression, and abandonment of the gospel can often be avoided if love and understanding are shown. |
| Emotions | Emotions are probably the most maligned and misunderstood part of our lives. We all have emotions, but few of us know what to do about them. Our emotional nature can become whole when we accept and understand our feelings, and deal with them in a healthy way. |
| Gospel | Applying gospel principles is critical to your success. This section shows how key gospel principles can be applied to your healing process. |
| Masculinity | This section presents the concepts of gender identity and gender role, then addresses some of the conflicts men experience in the world today. It shows how rites of passage can help a young man move into manhood. The section then suggests that you define what is masculine for you and gives example of male role models. It discusses masculine and feminine characteristics and gives suggestions on how to improve your feelings of masculinity. |
| Reading List | Much of your progress in understanding your personal situation will come from reading. This section contains a recommended list of reading, listening, and viewing materials. |
| Relationships | This section contains several writings about relationships. |
| Self-Perception | We are greatly influenced by our perception of our self and the world around us. Since these perceptions govern how we feel about ourselves and, ultimately, how we act, it is critical that we see ourselves for who we really are. When we better understand ourselves and expand our self-image, we expand the possibilities. This chapter discusses the concept of paradigms, then gives suggestions on how to improve your self-image and your feelings of self-worth. |
| Suicide | Includes: (1) what Church leaders have said about suicide and our response to it, (2) suicide warning signs among youth, and (3) suicide, depression, and abandonment of the gospel can often be avoided if love and understanding are shown. |
| Support Groups | Read how support groups work and how they can be helpful to you. |
| Therapy | As helpful as support groups and other efforts can be, they are not a substitute for individual and group therapy because there are issues that can only be dealt with effectively in sessions with a trained therapist. Therapy can help you clarify your identity and make life choices that are consistent with your personal values. This section explains different therapeutic approaches and gives information on choosing the right therapist. It then discusses individual and group therapy and explains how each can be beneficial. |
| Thinking, Twisted |
Ten examples of ways our thinking can become twisted, by
Dr. David Burns from The Feeling Good Handbook. |
| What is SSA? | This section defines homosexuality, including attractions, identity, and behavior. It then presents Latter-day Saint doctrines concerning homosexuality, including the distinction between homosexual thoughts and behavior, and the importance of overcoming both. Finally, it offers correct information about homosexual problems. |
See the following additional resources:
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) contains helpful, basic information.
Articles A collection of articles and reading resources by Church leaders and others on issues of same-sex attraction.
Myths Provides answers to common myths.
Newsletters Copies of the Journey, Evergreen's newsletter.
Organizations A list of organizations that can provide additional help.
Reading List Recommended reading, listening, and viewing materials.
Testimonies Read the real-life stories and advice of individuals, spouses, parents, families, Church leaders, and therapists.
For resources in other languages, see the Languages section of
our home page.