058: Edina shares her story of returning home early to help her mom with depression

Early Homecoming: Insights from Missionaries who Returned Early

Edina lives in Hungary and was 27 years old when she joined the church. Eight years later, at the age of 35, she decided to serve a mission. It was not an easy decision for her, but she chose to do it because of her love and trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. After a short time, she returned early because her mother was very depressed. She chose to come home to help her mom.
Mental health is not well understood in Hungary (or anywhere, really), and she had a hard time finding support. She began to struggle with depression herself and even suicidal thoughts. In the midst of all this though she recognized little miracles or inspiration from heaven that helped her move through her trials and she was able to help her mother become stable. She learned that the Atonement of Jesus Christ can help us to act when we are depressed and she gained a greater understanding that those suffering from depression need an extra amount of love and friends who will listen to their struggles rather than criticize their failures to act.
Additionally, she realized that all returned missionaries (early or not) need time and love to readjust back into normal life. She very much hopes that by sharing her story, others will receive the hope they need to know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love them and to move forward with faith in a brighter future.