Reader comments
Utah leads the nation in rates of depression
257 comments | Read story
Skeptic | 11:08 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
If you people believe all these studies, you all need to have your heads
examined.
The article even states that it weighted the results based on how many quacks we had available. I know we have plenty because they are paid lower here than anywhere else in the country, because of competition. We have too many!
By the way the "Mormons" don't teach we are all going to burn in hell for eternity like all those other "Christian" religions, if we don't "BELIEVE!". That would make me feel depressed knowing 99% of the worlds past population who weren't "BELIEVERS" are going to sizzle for all time and God is ok with that. According to most "REAL CHRISTIANS", I am going to burn as well. Talk about scare tactics every Sunday.
All decent religions have a set of standards that people are trying to observe. The Mormon church isn't any different than any other church in this regard. We just don't teach that non believers and the weak are going to burn for ever for their knowing or unknowing mistakes.
I regress, this shouldn't be about religion, its about false and misleading data to make someone more money.
The article even states that it weighted the results based on how many quacks we had available. I know we have plenty because they are paid lower here than anywhere else in the country, because of competition. We have too many!
By the way the "Mormons" don't teach we are all going to burn in hell for eternity like all those other "Christian" religions, if we don't "BELIEVE!". That would make me feel depressed knowing 99% of the worlds past population who weren't "BELIEVERS" are going to sizzle for all time and God is ok with that. According to most "REAL CHRISTIANS", I am going to burn as well. Talk about scare tactics every Sunday.
All decent religions have a set of standards that people are trying to observe. The Mormon church isn't any different than any other church in this regard. We just don't teach that non believers and the weak are going to burn for ever for their knowing or unknowing mistakes.
I regress, this shouldn't be about religion, its about false and misleading data to make someone more money.
Miss Synthia Forsyth | 11:11 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
...I really don't understand why non-utahns (or whatever we're called)
are reading the utah news... I mean, I guess you can... but I don't see
why...
Comments continue below
To Now Is The Time 951am | 11:12 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
You said, "This is not only interpersonal, it is institutionalized. The LDS
Church does not adequately train their �lay
clergy� to be competent in handling mental health or family
issues � in other words, Bishops and Stake Presidents are
HORRIBLE at counseling with people suffering from these problems!"
I say, "Why would anyone take mental health issues to their lay clergy..someone who may be a lawyer, doctor, carpet layer, cattle rancher. Maybe approach them and ask for referrals to social services. Or go to the doctor and ask for a combination of therapy and medication. Don't expect them to diagnose and treat psychiatric problems. Why should people expect the church to be everything to everyone? I thought the purposes of the church were to provide an opportunity to receive gospel ordinances and provide for the widows and the orphans. Why are bishops expected to counsel people? They are judges in Israel, not psychiatrists in Israel."
I say, "Why would anyone take mental health issues to their lay clergy..someone who may be a lawyer, doctor, carpet layer, cattle rancher. Maybe approach them and ask for referrals to social services. Or go to the doctor and ask for a combination of therapy and medication. Don't expect them to diagnose and treat psychiatric problems. Why should people expect the church to be everything to everyone? I thought the purposes of the church were to provide an opportunity to receive gospel ordinances and provide for the widows and the orphans. Why are bishops expected to counsel people? They are judges in Israel, not psychiatrists in Israel."
A in LA | 11:14 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Reading all these comments MADE ME DEPRESSED! One finds what what looks for. You
people need to start looking for positive things instead of dwelling on the dark
side! Times are tough and getting tougher. People are depressed EVERYWHERE. All
of you talk like you actually know the answers to this tough problem - which you
don't. Stop pontificating and go do something nice for someone to make them
happy or lighten their load. That would help much more than all this gibberish!
Why is it that no matter what the article in the paper, everyone points out the
negative? Are you all that DEPRESSED that all you can do is see the negative or
try and place blame?
Pete | 11:16 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Hellooooo! People, do you not realize that there are other people in Utah
besides Mormons. You absolutely cannot put the two together. I laugh at the ones
that aren't Mormon and state that the LDS church is the reason for
depression. Give me a break. And the ones that are and fault leaders, WOW, you
need to reinspect your life. The ones that used to be LDS and currently
aren't for some lame reason, quit blaming somehting that you can't
stick out. I am far from perfect, but blaming is ridiculous. I grew up in Utah,
and have come to realize that wether you are depressed or not, it is YOUR
choice, not a church, not a community, YOURS.
IgnorantantiLDShick | 11:16 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
It is comical to read the comments of the experts. How LDS members go to church
each week and are told that they need to be perfect, that they are not measuring
up, or are not good enough. How that is the cause of depression because it
can't be achieved. Two things. 1. Obviously you have never attended an
LDS worship service, 2. Before you proclaim these uneducated claims and reveal
your ignorance about the church try attending once. What you describe is not
the tenor of the services. The theme of all meetings is of course worshipping
Christ, but also encouraging members to associate with and serve the
"neighbors and community. That includes the proudly ignorant less active
members or non members who blame every problem they experience in life on the
"Church". Yeah, you have it all figured out. No morals, No
Responsibility, No Discipline. Yes I can see you now. You live in Spanish Fark
or American Fark. You have a mullet. You drive a pick up. You speak a barely
recognizable form of english. You hate BYU. Yeah you have it all figured out.
Everybody is depressed because of the church.
Come On Now... | 11:21 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
I am depressed that so many posters actually give the report such respect. The
Des News writer obviously picked up a press release right from the Pharma group
that paid for this "study." Some mention of the methodology was made,
but skimped on any real details. Actual study factors, weighting, and other
factors would help make this a real article worth discussion.
Reminds me of the statisticians that did a survey of death row inmates and found the vast majority drank milk when they were children - must mean milk drinkers are more violent. It was a mock effort to prove how stats can me misread - but could have been funded as "real findings" by the Soy Milk or Soda industries.
BTW - funny how every subject where there are posts we find a plethora of willing religious bashers that were just waiting for their chance for jabs. I wonder if they would be comfortable bashing the Amish, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, etc. with the same language and fervor in a regional paper where these religions are prominent... hmmmm. Outside this valley it's called being a religious bigot and is actually not well respected.
Reminds me of the statisticians that did a survey of death row inmates and found the vast majority drank milk when they were children - must mean milk drinkers are more violent. It was a mock effort to prove how stats can me misread - but could have been funded as "real findings" by the Soy Milk or Soda industries.
BTW - funny how every subject where there are posts we find a plethora of willing religious bashers that were just waiting for their chance for jabs. I wonder if they would be comfortable bashing the Amish, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, etc. with the same language and fervor in a regional paper where these religions are prominent... hmmmm. Outside this valley it's called being a religious bigot and is actually not well respected.
Screen Age Wasteland | 11:22 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
The percentage of Mormons in Utah has never been lower ... the percentage of
Utahans with depression has never been higher ... coincidence?!!!
Yes, I was kidding by the way, but it IS time to dig into these numbers.
It would be tough to do, but wouldn't it be useful to find out what the depression rates are for active LDS verses non-active, or non-LDS Utahans?
Then we can quit these nonsensical discussions based on conjecture and supposition and actually have an intelligent conversation.
Yes, I was kidding by the way, but it IS time to dig into these numbers.
It would be tough to do, but wouldn't it be useful to find out what the depression rates are for active LDS verses non-active, or non-LDS Utahans?
Then we can quit these nonsensical discussions based on conjecture and supposition and actually have an intelligent conversation.
robert J Petersen | 11:25 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
It is true that suicide is higher in Utah. It is however much less common in
active LDS men and far higher in inactive LDS men. in fact seven times higher.
Cheryl | 11:30 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
I would like to see this done on a gender basis. Research on hormone imbalance
is showing that women who give birth have greater thyroid and other endocrine
system hormone balance problems that poorly trained physicians don't
address. Most docs simply pass out the Prozac. Very sad. One needs to do the
research to find this out since most practitioners are about 19 years behind the
research.
LDS lower suicide rate | 11:31 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
at least among males aged 15-34, suicide rates among mormons is much lower than among inactive or nonmormons of the same age and gender.
American Journal of Epidemiology 2002; 155:413-419.
For example, the suicide rate among less active LDS church members aged 25 to 29 was SEVEN times higher than among their active church peers.
And, yes, the study was done by BYU professors, but the Journal of Epidemiology is a peer-reviewed journal that has exacting standards required for publication.
LDS lower suicide | 11:37 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
forgot to add that this was the only demographic studied, so I'm not simply
picking the most pleasant stats.
Don Crawford- Chicago, IL | 11:43 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Just a couple of thoughts-
1. Members of the LDS Church should realize that they can leave Utah to improve their economic situations. They have LDS chapels all over the place! Think of it as a reverse pioneer trek (minus the hand carts).
2. Maybe all of the folks with objections to the LDS faith / culture should go somewhere they don't have to be around so many icky people with expectations and values different from their own.
3. People should get a life and quit wasting time looking for ways to bash their neighbors.
4. The LDS Church has had professional Mental Health counseling through LDS family services for some time, But sounds like they should step up the Bishopric Training.
5. The whole population should admit that Depression is a REAL condition, that sometimes requires meds.
6. On the other side of the coin, maybe when the kids are a little hyperactive you go for a bike ride to release the extra energy instead of running to the Doctor for some chemical baby sitting.
7. Take what a pharmaceutical company says with a grain of salt- they are selling pills!
1. Members of the LDS Church should realize that they can leave Utah to improve their economic situations. They have LDS chapels all over the place! Think of it as a reverse pioneer trek (minus the hand carts).
2. Maybe all of the folks with objections to the LDS faith / culture should go somewhere they don't have to be around so many icky people with expectations and values different from their own.
3. People should get a life and quit wasting time looking for ways to bash their neighbors.
4. The LDS Church has had professional Mental Health counseling through LDS family services for some time, But sounds like they should step up the Bishopric Training.
5. The whole population should admit that Depression is a REAL condition, that sometimes requires meds.
6. On the other side of the coin, maybe when the kids are a little hyperactive you go for a bike ride to release the extra energy instead of running to the Doctor for some chemical baby sitting.
7. Take what a pharmaceutical company says with a grain of salt- they are selling pills!
ok! | 11:43 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
what ever happened to I' ok , your ok...oh, polygamy was done away with,
everybody has to be prosperous and show it or they end up arguing over god after
a football game which is only a moment in time.
Zoneseek | 11:46 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Thank-you for saying what you did! I am not subserviant to my husband either. He
is the kindest man I have ever met. I also have a degree - and I have taught
with that degree in the Alpine School District. I now feel that it is important
for me to be home with my children. Please people, don't assume we are
uneducated and depressed because we are LDS. If you really have a relationship
with Heavenly Father - you will feel such a love and respect from him. He simply
expects us to keep trying the best we know how. He is so much more merciful than
we think. The real pressures to "be perfect" all the time come from
comparing the best in everyone else to the worst in ourselves.
Come On Now... | 11:48 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Even though the study may have some statistical skews that make the state look
more depressed, it is also silly for LDS members to jump the other direction and
say "nothing is wrong here..."
I think a good thing to discuss statewide is how depression is diagnosed, by whom and what is being done to help. Real depression needs real diagnosis and treatment by well trained MDs.
I believe that prescriptions have been a great thing for those that struggle with this. It is too bad that most people still make those that use them feel stigmatized. You wouldn't make fun of a guy with heart disease taking his meds.
It would be great to see "real" research - not Wikipedia garbage and press release studies - so that the real issues (LDS & Non-LDS) could be addressed.
I think a good thing to discuss statewide is how depression is diagnosed, by whom and what is being done to help. Real depression needs real diagnosis and treatment by well trained MDs.
I believe that prescriptions have been a great thing for those that struggle with this. It is too bad that most people still make those that use them feel stigmatized. You wouldn't make fun of a guy with heart disease taking his meds.
It would be great to see "real" research - not Wikipedia garbage and press release studies - so that the real issues (LDS & Non-LDS) could be addressed.
East Coast | 11:49 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
To Pete 11:16 a.m. You said: "I grew up in Utah, and have come to realize
that wether you are depressed or not, it is YOUR choice, not a church, not a
community, YOURS."
If you can make a statement like this you know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about mental illness. I suppose people also choose their congenital heart defects. They choose to be autistic. They choose to develop Alzheimers.
Boy, I hope that statement is not representative of people in Utah. I sure wouldn't want to live in Utah if that were the case, and I most certainly wouldn't want to develop a psychiatric illness there.
Statements like that can be a huge burden on people who are suffering from an illness they did not choose, would not choose, and would not wish on an enemy.
Please educate yourself.
It is my understanding that the LDS church provides mental health benefits in the health insurance they provide to employees.
If you can make a statement like this you know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about mental illness. I suppose people also choose their congenital heart defects. They choose to be autistic. They choose to develop Alzheimers.
Boy, I hope that statement is not representative of people in Utah. I sure wouldn't want to live in Utah if that were the case, and I most certainly wouldn't want to develop a psychiatric illness there.
Statements like that can be a huge burden on people who are suffering from an illness they did not choose, would not choose, and would not wish on an enemy.
Please educate yourself.
It is my understanding that the LDS church provides mental health benefits in the health insurance they provide to employees.
nothing is perfect | 11:50 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
As much as the LDS people would like to believe they are creating a perfect
society, it will always have its flaws.
Depression rate included.
Depression rate included.
Miss Synthia Forsyth | 11:55 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
...I am mormon, and I blame it for at least part of my depression...
KK | 11:57 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Definitely the LDS church.
daisy | 12:07 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Weather got you depressed? What ever you do, DO NOT move to Seattle! All I
want for Christmas is umlimited "Super High" tans at the local Desert
Sun! I will use them September 1 through July 1. Sun comes out every year on
July 5th!
Happy living!
Happy living!
RMW | 12:07 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
There was a BYU article earlier this year which stated that LDS members had a
LOW depression rate. This study indicates Utahns had a HIGH depression rate.
Something is amiss, unless we infer that it is only the non-Mormons that are depressed. I seriously doubt that, however.
Something is amiss, unless we infer that it is only the non-Mormons that are depressed. I seriously doubt that, however.
gender specific | 12:09 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Notice how the female LDS are speaking out on this issue and how the male LDS
think life is just hunky-dory?
East Coast | 12:12 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
I don't live in New Jersey, but I follow the news there. A couple of years
ago NJ governor McGreevey resigned and the head of the legislature became acting
governor. I hold him in very high regard for several reasons, one of which was
what he emphasized during his time in office. His wife had suffered from
postpartum depression, and with the media exposure that came with being
governor, the Codeys decided to bring this into the spotlight. Not only did they
talk about it, they also did something about it. Dick Codey led New Jersey to
pass laws to improve the diagnosis and treatment of postpartum depression.
"Have I done any good in the world today?"
Mrs Codey was very brave to step up in public to speak about her experience. Mental health issues are stigmatized everywhere, not just Utah. This causes much unnecessary suffering. Many times women who develop this don't realize what is going on. Medical people, even now, will either pat a woman's hand or prescribe strong medication, when perhaps what the woman needs is education, support, counseling, and then medication if things don't improve. Not a pat on the hand and not social stigma.
"Have I done any good in the world today?"
Mrs Codey was very brave to step up in public to speak about her experience. Mental health issues are stigmatized everywhere, not just Utah. This causes much unnecessary suffering. Many times women who develop this don't realize what is going on. Medical people, even now, will either pat a woman's hand or prescribe strong medication, when perhaps what the woman needs is education, support, counseling, and then medication if things don't improve. Not a pat on the hand and not social stigma.
Dutch | 12:21 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Man, all you guys and gals talking about this is really making me depressed,
thanks alot.
Tiffiny | 12:21 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
You know...I don't want to point fingers at the church, but the expectation
of getting married really made me feel like an outsider when I lived there.
Everyone was dating or had gotten married. I kind of felt like an odd duck.
That being said, WITHOUT looking at the church, I just want to say that the states at the bottom of the list are all kind of in isolated parts of the country. Nothing's going on there...nothing exciting. I bet people are just too bored that they get depressed.
That being said, WITHOUT looking at the church, I just want to say that the states at the bottom of the list are all kind of in isolated parts of the country. Nothing's going on there...nothing exciting. I bet people are just too bored that they get depressed.
Hula Girl | 12:23 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Thanks, commenters, for the laugh. I especially enjoyed the Republican/Democrat
and football game causes. No wonder we Hawaiians are least depressed. We
remember to laugh daily, especially at ourselves. Try it, Utah.
Anonymous | 12:25 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
"From the moment I could talk - I was ordered to listen."
Isn't this enough to depress anybody?
Isn't this enough to depress anybody?
DL | 12:31 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
I hesitate in saying anything, but can't help myself. I just want to know
what all these people with a chip on their shoulder concerning the LDS faith are
doing reading the Deseret News? I suspect by the number of articles that turn
into a Mormon vs Non-Mormon/former Mormon clash, what is happening. These
people are reading the paper, scanning for just such an opprotunity to vent
their displeasure...even if many times it is a real stretch to connect the
content of the article with their anti-mormon agenda. It provides some fun
entertainment sometimes. Keep it coming.
Dear Girl | 12:31 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Sometimes the craziest, most depressed people are the most interesting people
you'll ever meet. They actually have some personality. From that
perspective, Utahns are a bunch of characters.
agree with JG | 12:34 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
I have to agree with JG, the study didnt involve the LDS and the non-LDS factor.
We shouldnt just say its because of the Mormons becuase that is the majority
(60%). Well, we can also say that mormons are to blame for the high bankruptcy,
wait WRONG, there was a study on this last year that compared LDS and non LDS in
Utah and the non LDS were actually were a bit higher than the LDS. So yes it
could be related to the LDS religion but just maybe its not. show me a study
that includes the religous factor so I can know and stop putting the blame on
others.
Cheryl | 12:39 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Again, it has been amazing to meet so many women who had been given
antidepressants when they have thyroid and other endocrine system issues. When
given natural thyroid or other natural hormones their bodies are low on, they
feel wonderful. No more Prozac. GPs need to be willing to administer what is
needed, rather than what is easy and alien to the human body, and makes money
for pharmaceutical companies. After all, most docs are trained, post medical
school, by pharmaceutical salesmen. Does anyone see the connection????
East Coast | 12:43 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Who are the new mothers in your circle? Have you asked them how they are doing
and how you can help them? Only one in eight women will develop postpartum
depression, so seven of them will be fine if rather sleep deprived, but that
other new mother is living in hell.
* Women and their families need to be prepared before having a baby for the possibility of postpartum depression.
* Doctors need to screen for postpartum conditions at the six week check up. This should not consist of, "How are you doing?" That question is counter-productive. Almost everyone says, "Fine." There are short lists of questions that can be used to identify the problem.
* People do not choose mental illness. They get it anyway.
* Three things may happen after the baby is born. Very simply: postpartum depression is feeling weepy for days or weeks on end. Get help. Postpartum OCD is continual thoughts of harming the baby. You won't, but get help. Postpartum psychosis is rare, but women become frantic or paranoid. Women with this condition (usually with history of bipolar illness) can and do hurt themselves and their children. Get help immediately.
* Women and their families need to be prepared before having a baby for the possibility of postpartum depression.
* Doctors need to screen for postpartum conditions at the six week check up. This should not consist of, "How are you doing?" That question is counter-productive. Almost everyone says, "Fine." There are short lists of questions that can be used to identify the problem.
* People do not choose mental illness. They get it anyway.
* Three things may happen after the baby is born. Very simply: postpartum depression is feeling weepy for days or weeks on end. Get help. Postpartum OCD is continual thoughts of harming the baby. You won't, but get help. Postpartum psychosis is rare, but women become frantic or paranoid. Women with this condition (usually with history of bipolar illness) can and do hurt themselves and their children. Get help immediately.
Running Fish | 12:45 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
So many variables at work here. I don't live in Utah currently, but I may
move back at some point. My two cents: LDS doctrine is unbelievably inspiring
and encouraging. LDS culture is sometimes horribly cruel. The two are not the
same. We need to do a better job of reconciling the culture with the faith.
Harmful aspects of LDS culture can be found anywhere, but Utah is most affected.
We all need to be mature enough to know when we are given counsel or direction
by friends, teachers, and even leaders that does not square with the docrine.
The next time you feel pressured to attend a weekday church meeting instead of going to your child's concert or swimming meet don't be afraid to say that you have other priorities, like your family. If more of us would be mature enough to take a stand I predict that what can be an emotionally abusive culture would begin a course correction.
The next time you feel pressured to attend a weekday church meeting instead of going to your child's concert or swimming meet don't be afraid to say that you have other priorities, like your family. If more of us would be mature enough to take a stand I predict that what can be an emotionally abusive culture would begin a course correction.
Sensible | 12:46 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Religion has nothing to do with the depression survey results--it's income
and urban-versus-rural. The states with the lowest rankings also are among the
lowest per capita incomes. Lower paying jobs provide the fewest mental health
benefits, a major factor in their rankings along with rural isolation.
Oscar | 12:56 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
The LDS religion was not part of the study.
To be objective one must put aside feelings for or against LDS doctrine. Their is a large number of non-mormons or mormons who do not practice mormonism in Utah. Whether someone seeks mental health care or whether they have access to such care strongly effects the number of people who are in a depressed state. Taking away the stigma of mental illness is vital. Seeing yourself and others as human beings with weaknesses, no matter what religion or beleif
is important in eliminating the stigma and helping people to be more willing to seek care.
To be objective one must put aside feelings for or against LDS doctrine. Their is a large number of non-mormons or mormons who do not practice mormonism in Utah. Whether someone seeks mental health care or whether they have access to such care strongly effects the number of people who are in a depressed state. Taking away the stigma of mental illness is vital. Seeing yourself and others as human beings with weaknesses, no matter what religion or beleif
is important in eliminating the stigma and helping people to be more willing to seek care.
Great families! | 1:03 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
With wonderful families head up by the likes of Lemuel and Julia Redd, how could
we possibly have a problem with depression? More control and dogmatism is the
answer to solving depression!
So....? | 1:10 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Depression comes to you because you allow it to. Depression is a mind boggling
disease that you YOURSELF can control.
I often expereince depression here and there. But you must learn t FIGHT IT! Look on the bright side and positive side of life!
I often expereince depression here and there. But you must learn t FIGHT IT! Look on the bright side and positive side of life!
metamoracoug | 1:13 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
The statistics here are very misleading. Utah is not the most depressed state
in the union and anyone who has been in New Jersey longer than a weekend knows
that fact. Utah probably has the smallest percentage of people who are
self-medicating -- i.e. alcohol, and illicit drugs, which is how the rest of the
world deals with depression.
offered meds | 1:15 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
During very trying times of my life (not due to my religion) I was offered meds
by my Doctor a GP. I was not depressed! I refused, but was told he was required
to offer them to any patient going through a crisis. I was sad due to real life
experiences; temporary situations beyond my control. If you are depressed
nothing is really wrong! You just don't ever feel joy. No peace is there
for you when you need it. Depression is genetic not due to socially learned
ideals. If some of those who post would stop focusing on what they hate about
themselves and/or others and try to do something good... we would all see a
happier group. My non-LDS or inactive women friends are much more prone to
"depression" caused by social pressure or abuse than the
"active" LDS ones... figure that one into your LDS bashing thoughts.
You have nothing better to do with your time... right?
heather | 1:17 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
A am a Mormon and I believe that throught the teachings of the lords church that
is why I am happy happy happy.
CapaChica | 1:19 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
I hate to say this but I'm LDS and yes ALOT of pressure is put on women.
Try being LDS, 34 years old and still single. There has to be something wrong
with me right?
hiker | 1:25 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
It could be the air pollution and it could that lot of people are stressed out
because they don�t live their lives more simply. This is
particularly true in for Mormons. Non Mormons sometimes get depressed from
playing the game of getting more consumer goods but it is worse for Mormons
because there is a lot of pressure to have more children too. People turn to
the Bishop for help with depression and he never tells them to quit having
children and he never warns the ward that having a squadron of little tikes
could drive you nuts and he rarely tells people to give up the dream of living
like the Marriots.
Alan Rorq | 1:27 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
My best friend, Jerry - a military retiree I have written about before - came
here to Utah after he retired. He has major depression, and he has had it for
many years. He works out almost every day strenuously, eats the right stuff,
has a network of friends who understand his depression, and takes his prescribed
meds. Yet, daily he needs to work through suicidal ideation - he can't
stop thinking about how to end it all at about 5 pm. He has developed great
ways to get through those low times, as every successful depressive person
must.
Here's the point, though. Jerry seems like a regular guy to most. He is extremely intelligent, well educated, and friendly. He came here because there are so many people like him in Utah - not just due to a religious lifestyle. If not for his federal benefits, Jerry could not afford his meds and periodic counseling checkups. He would be on the streets, he tells me. And I believe him.
If Utah has a strong Christian value system, it should walk the talk - it should find an effective way to help outstanding people like Jerry. No bull!
Alan Rorq
Here's the point, though. Jerry seems like a regular guy to most. He is extremely intelligent, well educated, and friendly. He came here because there are so many people like him in Utah - not just due to a religious lifestyle. If not for his federal benefits, Jerry could not afford his meds and periodic counseling checkups. He would be on the streets, he tells me. And I believe him.
If Utah has a strong Christian value system, it should walk the talk - it should find an effective way to help outstanding people like Jerry. No bull!
Alan Rorq
Interesting | 1:35 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
I believe a good balanced diet (along with normal physical and mental
activities) will result in good mental and physical health. Can anyone prove me
wrong?
This article suggests to me that too many people in Utah eat too much junk food!
This article suggests to me that too many people in Utah eat too much junk food!
Raymond Takashi Swenson | 1:49 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
I looked at the report. The ranking is based on a weighted average of four
different surveys. Since national surveys typically use only 1,000 people, how
many were sampled in each state? The percentage difference between the highest
and the lowest states in any one of the four categories is only 3 or 4 percent,
which is close to the usual margin of error. If they repeated the surveys next
week, they could get completely different numbers.
Utah is actually above the national average in the "number of days" of depression reported. The maps that show the distribution of the states in each category show that the clusters are different for each one. In two of the categories, the West is dark red, but in others the states around Kentucky are worst. The lack of correlation among these different surveys, supposed to measure the same thing, shows how uncertain all of them are.
The people who did this report are just lobbying for more Federal money for mental health professionals and anti-depression drugs, and for Federal law requiring parity between payments for mental health care and medical care. I sympathize, but the survey is meaningless.
Utah is actually above the national average in the "number of days" of depression reported. The maps that show the distribution of the states in each category show that the clusters are different for each one. In two of the categories, the West is dark red, but in others the states around Kentucky are worst. The lack of correlation among these different surveys, supposed to measure the same thing, shows how uncertain all of them are.
The people who did this report are just lobbying for more Federal money for mental health professionals and anti-depression drugs, and for Federal law requiring parity between payments for mental health care and medical care. I sympathize, but the survey is meaningless.
Orem Native | 2:12 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
After watching the Utah - BYU game anybody who cheers for the utes should be
depressed after what the refs did to them.
Aldea | 2:18 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Depression is not caused by the LDS Church. It's a chemical depleation in
the brain, however I have lived with it since the first Gulf War. Exposure to
High Stress and from an abusive childhood caused me to one day want to kill
myself. Depression meds do help, it's a Medical Condition which I just live
with. If I did not have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, I believe I would have
been dead already. You have to fight depression daily. It's a disease that
has nothing to do with the LDS Church in my view,! Regardless of what the anti
and Jack Mormons say!
Rich | 2:20 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Anonymous said: "From the moment I could talk, I was ordered to
listen."
This is from a Cat Stevens song. Look what happened to him.
This is from a Cat Stevens song. Look what happened to him.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Related content
- The natural beauty of a wreath 4:26 p.m.
- 4 detained in Russian club fire 4:15 p.m.
- A.F., Houston in Armed Forces Bowl 4:08 p.m.
- Museum claims it owns a Titian 4:03 p.m.
- BYU and Utah's bowl games 3:54 p.m.
- Saints stay perfect, beat Redskins 3:31 p.m.
- An orchestra of guitars 3:24 p.m.
- Raiders stun Steelers 2:53 p.m.
- Panthers beat Bucs 16-6 2:52 p.m.
- Colts beat Titans 27-17 2:49 p.m.
- Y., U. to learn bowl destinations
- The forgotten ship: USS Utah
- Utahns want health care reform bills
- BYU professor killed in crash
- BYU basketball: Cougars crush Dons
- Tiger's SUV, personal life are a wreck
- Branch president without a congregation
- Jazz upset by Wolves
- Kurt Bestor: Joy for the world
- Urn of baby rests with sailors
- Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
314 - Letters: Liberal because LDS253
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing209
- Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry189
- Aggies shoot past Cougars179
- N.Y. Senate rejects gay marriage130
- George lost in rivalry hatefest113
- Unbeaten BYU takes trip to Logan105
- Harpring's NBA career is over95
- Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony94
Trolley Square's annual Holiday Open House will feature visits with...
That does it — I'm having an affair! Thanks to Tiger Woods, David...
First, a big thank you to all who posted questions here for me to ask...
Latest comments
I'll just be glad when the bowl games are over. Sick of the drivel between...
Did this accident occur here in Utah, or in Africa?
Two good teams - two reasonable bowls - two good opponents. Good luck to...
I hope the Zoobs don't lay an egg in the desert like they did last year. The...
yewties! Ohhhhhhh, yewties!....... Where all my yewtie friends that were...
Could be worse... Id rather play Oregon State... I just did not want Arizona...
To Gramma224: There are no proposals before congress to turn our healthcare...
...of the great Homer J. Simpson: "Booor-ring!!" (BYU in yet ANOTHER Las...
@bowls I have a stat for you too. BYU 26, UTAH 23. Is that good enough for...
Some of you people are not realizing how much the tax payers (those who go...
Advertisements
2- we need a General Conference talk on doctrine vs. cultural mores, especially as the LDS Church becomes more global.
3- Long Live Diet Coke !