The bishop's office might be the first stop for a depressed or suicidal teenager in the LDS Church.

Parents see the ecclesiastical leader of the local ward as someone who can "fix" their child's emotional problems. But while bishops can offer spiritual guidance and some practical advice, they are not psychologists.

And they should not be expected to take on that role, says Elder Alexander Morrison, an emeritus general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "They should not try to treat mental illness themselves," he said.

Just as people don't hesitate to consult a physician about medical problems such as cancer, heart disease or diabetes, they should not hesitate to obtain appropriate professional assistance for mental illness, he said.

Mental illness, particularly depression and bipolar disorder, are common among young people who take their own lives.

Several parents and mental health professionals interviewed for this series, "Teen suicide: Utah's grim reality," wonder whether the LDS Church's high expectations for young people may contribute to depression and suicide.

"I am an active, believing member of the LDS Church," said a Utah Valley mother who did not want her name used. "But I cannot deny that the culture of high expectations this belief system generates around itself can be so deadly to its youth."

Depression runs in her family, and she said she is especially concerned because her 11-year-old son is entering "those years of precarious dips and peaks of emotion."

There's pressure to "live worthy," said Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, an LDS father of five.

Latter-day Saints are counseled to avoid premarital sex, pornography, drugs and alcohol, among other things. Young men and women are taught to live clean lives to prepare for missionary service and marriage in an LDS temple. Those who make a mistake or fall short might lose self-esteem or fall into depression.

The LDS Church helps teenagers deal with life's challenges through weekly spiritual instruction, wholesome group activities, adult mentoring and personal interviews with congregational leaders, according to Fred Riley, director of LDS Family Services.

If a teenager is struggling and needs help, parents and youth leaders can work with their bishops to get professional help, he said in a statement.

Culture's role

Doug Gray, a University of Utah child psychiatrist, said culture does play a big role in Utah's suicide rate but couldn't say it is exclusively attributable to religion.

Rocky Mountain states have a 30 percent higher rate than the rest of the country, he noted. Westerners' independent nature and the availability of guns have something to do with that, he said.