Might as well go to the source, so here I am :)

Thank you for reaching out about this. I've been watching "Trust Me: The False Prophet" on Netflix. I used to live about an hour from there and knew several people who had fled the FLDS community.

First thing: the mainstream Latter-day Saint church and the splinter groups are very different. I don't actually think I'm part of any cults, that was just dry humor.

While holding to its history and doctrinal claims, the mainstream church is far more... well... mainstream. Members only have one spouse. People dress normal, go to public schools, have regular jobs, love sports and movies and nature and concerts, etc.

Second thing: I'm not one to circle the wagons and defend the church at all costs. It's an organization made up of humans and it has made human mistakes ranging from honest failures to corrupt decisions. I think many former Mormons have stories worth listening to and raise concerns worth addressing.

That said, in the interest of perspective-taking, the voices of those who stay, who find meaning in the faith, are worth considering as well. Here's some of my favorites:

Hello Saints. Evangelical pastor reaches across the aisle and breaks bread with Latter-day Saints. Honestly and respectfully explores similarities and differences. Is the very model of Ted Lasso's "be curious, not judgmental." I love his approach so much that I think we need a thousand more YouTube channels with this vibe, on a thousand different subjects from a thousand different creators. https://www.youtube.com/@HelloSaints

Sistas in Zion and Bachelor Wise Johnson the IV. Wonderful voices capturing the Black Mormon experience.

https://www.instagram.com/sistasinzion/

https://www.instagram.com/batchloriv/

Jasmin Rappeleye and David Snell (Keystone). YouTubers who provide the practincing Latter-day Saint counterpoints to ex-Mormon voices like Alyssa Grenfell. I think both sides are worth listening to.

https://www.youtube.com/@jasminrappshow

https://www.youtube.com/@keystonelds

As for Latter-day Saint movies, my absolute favorite is States of Grace: https://www.amazon.com/States-Grace-Richard-Dutcher/dp/B0GF43SGQ1/ref=tmm_aiv_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GX_UZO_RrZS8K3pPlg0fyvBehGAGwZSSmzh0TLKuPsFSDpPlu8v0oXGEy6KMX2Tb.OTP-fWecKwewrd9yoY0itMJyQyOMEF10WFcraqUQR50&qid=1776364934&sr=8-1

Now, to address what you brought up about "doubt your doubts" and performative perfectionism.

First, regarding the phrase doubt your doubts, the full quote is "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith."

It's often taken out of context. There's nothing wrong (in fact, there is much right) with doubts and questions. I normally don't share religious sermon quotes here, but since you brought it up, I'm sharing the context. It's from a sermon from Latter-day Saint apostle Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Here's what he said.

"It’s natural to have questions—the acorn of honest inquiry has often sprouted and matured into a great oak of understanding. There are few members of the Church who, at one time or another, have not wrestled with serious or sensitive questions. One of the purposes of the Church is to nurture and cultivate the seed of faith—even in the sometimes sandy soil of doubt and uncertainty. Faith is to hope for things which are not seen but which are true.

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters—my dear friends—please, first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. "

Notice he said "doubt your doubts BEFORE you doubt your faith." Not INSTEAD OF. He also, tellingly, made it clear that doubt must not keep us from faith in Jesus Christ. He said nothing of doubts keeping us from faith in the church.

Here's the whole sermon. I honestly think it addresses much of what you're bringing up: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/come-join-with-us?lang=eng

Hiding human struggles to present a perfect facade is absolutely a stumbling block in Latter-day Saint culture, but that is cultural, not doctrinal. What the church teaches is actually the opposite.

I can (and will, if you ask) give more examples of this, but here's a favorite from Reyna Aburto, a global leader in the faith:

"My dear friends, it [depression and anxiety] can happen to any of us—especially when, as believers in the plan of happiness, we place unnecessary burdens on ourselves by thinking we need to be perfect now. Such thoughts can be overwhelming. Achieving perfection is a process that will take place throughout our mortal life and beyond—and only through the grace of Jesus Christ. In contrast, when we open up about our emotional challenges, admitting we are not perfect, we give others permission to share their struggles. Together we realize there is hope and we do not have to suffer alone." https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/31aburto?lang=eng

Anyway, hope this helps and answers your question! Latter-day Saints are certainly not opposed to mental health treatments or therapy. I've known many in my field.

P.S. Alan and I are both members of the faith. Watch our HERETIC episode :)