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Utah leads the nation in rates of depression
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Grandma Sandy | 2:34 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Think Insurance Company profits and remember the magic work is
"CO-PAY". This should fix EVERYTHING!
Mark in AZ | 2:36 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Wyeth, Wyeth, Wyeth ... the drug company that caused me a year's horrible
withdrawal from a psychotropic drug. "Pyscho" = "spirit" in
Greek and "tropic" = "to turn." Do we want to "turn
our spirits" to a drug company that considers casualties like me merely
unfortunate statistics? Just say NO to psychotropic drugs!!! Say no to all
this greed disguised as scientific research!
Happy | 2:39 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
"Utah leads the nation in rates of depression"
So there you have it.
Living proof of the negative effect conservatism plays on people.
So many rules. So much competition. So many unmet expectations.
I'm glad I'm a happy-go-lucky free-wheelin' liberal!
So there you have it.
Living proof of the negative effect conservatism plays on people.
So many rules. So much competition. So many unmet expectations.
I'm glad I'm a happy-go-lucky free-wheelin' liberal!
Comments continue below
Utah Observer | 2:47 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
OK, if Utah has a depression problem, could it be because
people�s general dislike for each other?
Reading the comments on Utah's depression story seems to prove my point.
I spent a fair amount of my life in other states and overseas. It amazes me that Utah is the most culturally and religiously divisive place I have ever lived in.
People of other religions where lived were never as exclusive as "LDS faithful" are to non-LDS people in this state. With the large missionary effort of the LDS church, I wrongly imagined Utah to be the friendliest state ever. And as every turn deserves a good turn, most non-LDS people I know have nothing good to say about their �LDS faithful� neighbors. Open religious intolerance towards the LDS church is widely accepted in public print and in open discourse.
So, until the unlikely event that LDS and non-LDS can accept and tolerate each other, I predict Utah will always be divisive state. Unless Utah�s citizens can find happiness in the convictions that cause this mutual dislike, it will always be unhappy place.
Reading the comments on Utah's depression story seems to prove my point.
I spent a fair amount of my life in other states and overseas. It amazes me that Utah is the most culturally and religiously divisive place I have ever lived in.
People of other religions where lived were never as exclusive as "LDS faithful" are to non-LDS people in this state. With the large missionary effort of the LDS church, I wrongly imagined Utah to be the friendliest state ever. And as every turn deserves a good turn, most non-LDS people I know have nothing good to say about their �LDS faithful� neighbors. Open religious intolerance towards the LDS church is widely accepted in public print and in open discourse.
So, until the unlikely event that LDS and non-LDS can accept and tolerate each other, I predict Utah will always be divisive state. Unless Utah�s citizens can find happiness in the convictions that cause this mutual dislike, it will always be unhappy place.
willie | 2:51 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
So...? think happy thoughts, like Heather said and you will be Happy Happy
Happy. You cannot control depression by thinking Happy thoughts. It is a
chemical imbalance a great deal of the time. The rest of the time it is a
situational catalyst, like listening to Heather and her Happy Heavenly Father
blather. When was the last time she was allowed to have a thought that
wasn't prescribed to her by the "teachings of the lord?" Break
free Heather, it's not too late!!!
That is why! | 2:56 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
The bizzare happens here, kidnapping, tazing, trolley square episode, polygamy
gone wild, people wearing weapons openly, and now the Byu, Utah
outcome..can't go on, can't go on!
Great! | 2:57 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Great! Another feel-bad story about Utah that will obviously be used by
outsiders and those with a chip on their sholder as a indictment of Mormons and
how they ruin Utah.
I haven't even read any of the comments here but I bet I know what they are going to say. You know the same old stuff you see in these forums almost every day.
I haven't even read any of the comments here but I bet I know what they are going to say. You know the same old stuff you see in these forums almost every day.
Change is Good | 3:05 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
With songs like "Peace Train," "Morning has Broken,"
"Wild World," "Moon Shadow," "Father and Son,"Oh Very Young," and countless others that are still wildly popular today, I'd say what has happened is that Cat Stevens has left a volume of meaningful, provocative and culture-changing music.
Now tell me about Orrin Hatch's greatest hits, Rich.
"Wild World," "Moon Shadow," "Father and Son,"Oh Very Young," and countless others that are still wildly popular today, I'd say what has happened is that Cat Stevens has left a volume of meaningful, provocative and culture-changing music.
Now tell me about Orrin Hatch's greatest hits, Rich.
Father and Son | 3:13 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
"... from the moment I could talk, I was ordered to listen, Now
there's a way and I know that I have to go away.
I know I have to go." ("Father and Son")
If this song upsets you Rich, maybe you are feeling trapped. I understand that is a common dilemma within an ultra-conservative setting.
I know I have to go." ("Father and Son")
If this song upsets you Rich, maybe you are feeling trapped. I understand that is a common dilemma within an ultra-conservative setting.
Former Bishop | 3:24 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
I just finished serving as a Bishop.
1. Bishops & SP's are now far more familiar than they were with clinical depression that in the past - still needs work!
2. Depression is more than just "feeling the blues" stressed - it is a medical condition that in my limited observation seems to be mostly inherited but can be treated. My wife has a member of her family that committed suicide because of depression. He wasn't a member, but that's not the point.
3. Those in the Church suffering from depression may have once been encouraged to avoid medical help by well meaning members - this is wrong. The Word of Wisdom can solve many things, but we cannot let that belief (or hobby horse for some), cause members to avoid treatment.
4. LDS wanting to self-medicate likely turn to prescription drugs, since after all they are "prescribed". The fact these people all get into computerized medical systems increases the numbers that get reported.
5. Bishops were told explicitly several years ago to NOT counsel members on FAMILY SIZE and WHEN to get married. I never ever told a returned missionary it was "time" to get married.
1. Bishops & SP's are now far more familiar than they were with clinical depression that in the past - still needs work!
2. Depression is more than just "feeling the blues" stressed - it is a medical condition that in my limited observation seems to be mostly inherited but can be treated. My wife has a member of her family that committed suicide because of depression. He wasn't a member, but that's not the point.
3. Those in the Church suffering from depression may have once been encouraged to avoid medical help by well meaning members - this is wrong. The Word of Wisdom can solve many things, but we cannot let that belief (or hobby horse for some), cause members to avoid treatment.
4. LDS wanting to self-medicate likely turn to prescription drugs, since after all they are "prescribed". The fact these people all get into computerized medical systems increases the numbers that get reported.
5. Bishops were told explicitly several years ago to NOT counsel members on FAMILY SIZE and WHEN to get married. I never ever told a returned missionary it was "time" to get married.
Unbelievable | 3:39 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Though born and raised in UT and loved my experience there, I have lived outside
the Wasatch Front since graduating from high school. Currently a resident of the
Midwest, I find that - by in large - my friends, neighbors and community respect
me for my beliefs, religion and lifestyle. I, in return, offer the same respect
to them.
That being said, I am constantly amazed when I read the Deseret News "comment" section, how prevelant anti-mormon sentiments are in Utah. Get over it, folks! See people for the goodness that they possess, not a mere title or religion they esteem. None of us are perfect and few people profess to be. How grateful I am to live in a community that supports and respects me for what I believe and doesn't blame every mishap of society upon my belief system. Unbelievable, indeed.
That being said, I am constantly amazed when I read the Deseret News "comment" section, how prevelant anti-mormon sentiments are in Utah. Get over it, folks! See people for the goodness that they possess, not a mere title or religion they esteem. None of us are perfect and few people profess to be. How grateful I am to live in a community that supports and respects me for what I believe and doesn't blame every mishap of society upon my belief system. Unbelievable, indeed.
a peculiar people | 3:47 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
The LDS culture is indeed filled with "peculiar people" (Gordon B.
Hickley's own words).
They tell their flock to exercise their free agency then turn around and tell them exactly what they are supposed to do.
Believe me, I know.
It's no wonder Utah leads the nation in depressed souls.
People are liberal by nature, and they are told to resist these natural, wonderful tendencies.
They tell their flock to exercise their free agency then turn around and tell them exactly what they are supposed to do.
Believe me, I know.
It's no wonder Utah leads the nation in depressed souls.
People are liberal by nature, and they are told to resist these natural, wonderful tendencies.
jk | 3:49 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
i think were so depressed in this LDS state because we are mourning for so many
of our brethren who are without the gospel in this country, and the world for
that matter. j/k
I thought it was funny that people were blaiming the high demands of the LDS church. What do they recommend, that we "lower the bar", or be more content with mediocrity? In everything we do, work, school, sports, we set high standards and push ourselves to hit them, thats how progress is made. I dont know about you but depression hits me when I'm sitting around being lazy, not when im working my butt off to meet my high standards.
I thought it was funny that people were blaiming the high demands of the LDS church. What do they recommend, that we "lower the bar", or be more content with mediocrity? In everything we do, work, school, sports, we set high standards and push ourselves to hit them, thats how progress is made. I dont know about you but depression hits me when I'm sitting around being lazy, not when im working my butt off to meet my high standards.
David | 3:51 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Recent studies show that some forms of depression are just as readily remedied
by regular exercise. Americans in general, are becoming more obese and less
exercise oriented. Couple that with the amount of time spent on church
activities instead of personal well-being and it becomes no surprise.
my dad | 3:55 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
My dad was in every state institution in Arizona. Tried to commit suicide 4
times. He comes from a family of mental illness and depression. He was
homeless. He has taken every drug known to man, been diagnosed with every mental
illness described.
Then he was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1995 and the miracle began. My dad today is a different human being. He knows first had the difference between being in the church and out of the church. He knows first hand what the world has to offer and the church. The proof is in the pudding for this happy son who has an amazing father.... no one could convince me otherwise. I think depression is individual. I've seen the rich, the blest, the powerful, the famous with it. I've seen the heathen, the "believer", and the philosopher with it. For all the pressure on the mormons, I think the pressure for them is to get out of debt, live within their means, put first things first, get organized, devote themselves to their families, repent, serve, love, and have holsum fun....sounds like a cure for depression not the cause!
Then he was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1995 and the miracle began. My dad today is a different human being. He knows first had the difference between being in the church and out of the church. He knows first hand what the world has to offer and the church. The proof is in the pudding for this happy son who has an amazing father.... no one could convince me otherwise. I think depression is individual. I've seen the rich, the blest, the powerful, the famous with it. I've seen the heathen, the "believer", and the philosopher with it. For all the pressure on the mormons, I think the pressure for them is to get out of debt, live within their means, put first things first, get organized, devote themselves to their families, repent, serve, love, and have holsum fun....sounds like a cure for depression not the cause!
Dr. Nothing | 3:57 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Look at all these opinions. They're all baseless. They're like, hey! I
live in Utah, I obviously know the answers depsite not studying or doing any
research.
Maybe do some research instead of "I knew it was the mormons!" or "This weather is the culprit!"
Maybe do some research instead of "I knew it was the mormons!" or "This weather is the culprit!"
Health Researcher | 4:23 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
I think it's hilarious when people talk about all the pressures on LDS
folks (especially women) to be perfect--as if these pressures are any different
on evangelical women in Texas or atheist women in Connecticut. There are all
kinds of social pressures on people all over the place. Utah isn't in the
least bit unique on this count.
Do a quick search of Mormon & depression on Google Scholar and you'll find that it's pretty clear that there is no clear effect of being LDS on one's mental health. This relationship is only apparent to religious bigots.
Do a quick search of Mormon & depression on Google Scholar and you'll find that it's pretty clear that there is no clear effect of being LDS on one's mental health. This relationship is only apparent to religious bigots.
Correlations... Maybe or Not | 4:24 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Might there be any correlation between Utah's ranking in depression and the
ranking on porn searches? Utah is feeling to darn guilty about all the web based
shenanigans. (that was supposed to be a joke)
Seriously, such a ranking is not necessarily a bad thing if it equates to more people getting the appropriate medical care they need to treat their illness. Perhaps, it may imply more accurate reporting than many other states.
Or again, maybe Utah is just doom and gloom. I for one like it here and only get depressed on an occasional basis.
Seriously, such a ranking is not necessarily a bad thing if it equates to more people getting the appropriate medical care they need to treat their illness. Perhaps, it may imply more accurate reporting than many other states.
Or again, maybe Utah is just doom and gloom. I for one like it here and only get depressed on an occasional basis.
Which one? | 4:50 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Well, jk, which gospel are you referring to?
The standard one that Mitt Romney said was "God's word" 5 times in a matter of seconds?
Or the "restored" version, that is the "truest book ever wrote?"
I am starting to see more and more just why it is there is so much depression in this culture.
These are some massively confused puppies in a incredibly convoluted setting.
The standard one that Mitt Romney said was "God's word" 5 times in a matter of seconds?
Or the "restored" version, that is the "truest book ever wrote?"
I am starting to see more and more just why it is there is so much depression in this culture.
These are some massively confused puppies in a incredibly convoluted setting.
Observer | 4:51 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
There is a problem here - face it. Thousands of Utah women are addicted to
prescription drugs and have been for years. Yet, those same people (and their
spouses) would look down on someone who had a beer or wine with their dinner.
(by the way - that doesn't mean you are an alcoholic).
In the end - is God going to worry about the beverage you had or how much time you spent judging your neighbors?? Is God going to measure the number of children you have or be pleased with you being a good parent of 2 or 3 healthy and happy kids??
I am sorry for those of you who were born and raised here and may never understand what the rest of us find so obvious. Enjoy your life - put quality in it and stop filling it up with misguided aspirations for perfection. On earth we are only human - so worry about today and just be kind to yourself and those around you. That's good enough!
In the end - is God going to worry about the beverage you had or how much time you spent judging your neighbors?? Is God going to measure the number of children you have or be pleased with you being a good parent of 2 or 3 healthy and happy kids??
I am sorry for those of you who were born and raised here and may never understand what the rest of us find so obvious. Enjoy your life - put quality in it and stop filling it up with misguided aspirations for perfection. On earth we are only human - so worry about today and just be kind to yourself and those around you. That's good enough!
My 2 cents on this issue | 4:51 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
The so called "Health Care professionals" in the U.S. are trained to
prescribe drugs NOT to cure the problems.
It's part of the current health care system (Hospitals, drug companies) who profit with the people's health.
Enough is Enough, we need a UNIVERSAL Health Care System. I don't care if I have to pay more taxes if that will give me access to preventive and corrective health care and I can live with peace of mind NOT depressed and filing for bankcrupcy like many people is doing because they CAN NOT pay they medical bills. Called Socialist Medicine or whatever, but I call it a solution to live with dignity as an U. S. citizen.
It's part of the current health care system (Hospitals, drug companies) who profit with the people's health.
Enough is Enough, we need a UNIVERSAL Health Care System. I don't care if I have to pay more taxes if that will give me access to preventive and corrective health care and I can live with peace of mind NOT depressed and filing for bankcrupcy like many people is doing because they CAN NOT pay they medical bills. Called Socialist Medicine or whatever, but I call it a solution to live with dignity as an U. S. citizen.
Nice comments | 4:56 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
These comments just prove my theory that Utah is the most bigoted state in the
country. This article didn't once reference the cause being religion, yet
thats exactly what has been attacked. Is this how all the non-LDS community
feels? It's starting to make sense why LDS families are careful who their
children play with. It seems the "Self Righteous" community isn't
the Mormon community.
Raymond is Wrong | 4:59 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
The fact that the results come from a composite score of four different surveys
actually STRENGTHENS the results. And let me remind you that a sample size of
1000 is plenty big for any population (recall the central limit theorem and the
law of large numbers).
The statistics in this study are not wrong. What IS wrong is the way most of the people on this thread interpret them.
The statistics in this study are not wrong. What IS wrong is the way most of the people on this thread interpret them.
bls | 5:31 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
I find it interesting, that a left leaning organiztion. Whose goals are get as
much government funding for their clinics and such. Would put the most religious
and most republican state at the very bottom of their research.To find the
answer to all these so called studies and research groups, just as always,
follow the money.In this age of political correctness and anti-anything
religious a study like this would come out. Surprizing......
katamb | 5:38 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
We're just taking medication for a health problem and not self-medicating
with alcohol and drugs - that's all. New Jersey the healthiest state?!
Give me a break! I come from there and the bars are full at 7:00 a.m.!!!!!
Gretzky | 6:40 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
nothing like a good hockey game to cure the blues...so let's end this
conversation. facts are facts. time for the mental health profession to do more
than prescribe pills. i believe utahns are depressed because they have been
priced out of skiing in the mountains, the developers have taken away all the
biking trails in the utah foothills, Geneva steel polluted Utah Lake, and there
are not enough ice skating and hockey rinks in Utah....
TSP | 8:46 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Weather is completely irrelevant; check out where Alaska landed on the list.
I'm not so sure about the questions either; anyone who has recently ended a serious relationship would likely qualify as "clinically depressed" based on the questions of the survey as I read them. This includes me. And I'm never depressed; I am, however, very down about a breakup a month back and so I'd likely be another negative statistic in this survey.
I'm not so sure about the questions either; anyone who has recently ended a serious relationship would likely qualify as "clinically depressed" based on the questions of the survey as I read them. This includes me. And I'm never depressed; I am, however, very down about a breakup a month back and so I'd likely be another negative statistic in this survey.
anonymous | 9:29 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
come on utah just wait untill all the best snow on earth falls who could be
depressed in that white fluffy stuff!!!
Why would people "Bash" | 10:40 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
If they didn't have any complaint? Sure there are those that just like to
get the attention, but most of us have lives with plenty of things in them. We
would not "bash" unless we had something to say. It's
interesting how people can believe that everyone that have had negative
experiences in a religion are somehow to blame. Time to face reality; if
something keeps coming up over and over again there is probably something to it!
Just a thought | 11:15 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Maybe it is better communication within families that is needed than more pills.
So many families are falling apart for one reason or another and leaves folks
with a bunch of issues to deal with. If you get upset or angry for any amount
of time then some folks think pills are the answer rather than allowing a person
to vent and blow steam and in the end still know that someone cares about them.
Do whatever is needed to strengthen families and I think less pills will be
needed.
Hmmm... | 11:23 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
This "study" just may suggest that Utah is the HEALTHIEST state in the
Union. Indeed, maybe it's one of the few places where tough love is used
instead of just telling everyone "it's ok" and "everyone is
special." Sometimes people need to hear they're doing something wrong.
How they react to it is up to them.
rz | 11:43 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
"Lastly, is it such a bad thing that the bar is set so high in the Mormon
church? I don't think so. I think the world could use some higher
standards, especially our country."
It's not so much about high standards as it is about unattainable standards, i.e., perfection. And the constant pressure to attain the unattainable.
It's not so much about high standards as it is about unattainable standards, i.e., perfection. And the constant pressure to attain the unattainable.
Beauty School Dropout | 11:43 p.m. Nov. 29, 2007
Seriously hilarious how people are citing their credentials as they comment.
jon | 12:11 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
I've lived in CA and FL and now reside in WI. The winter can get bleak at times and even bleaker when one parks their can on a sofa watching despondent programming. Maybe Hollywood's greatest achievement is to make us depressed simply by watching shows which feature amoral morons we would never invite into our homes.
Get off your rear and exercise. You'll feel better and you have the added benefit of using a healthy body instead of a toxic one.
We were created to be active, helpful, and doing good instead of reflecting on the good we haven't accomplished.
Hey, Synthia | 1:40 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
I have news for you. All the saints do not live in the valley, or even in Utah.
The Deseret News is a publication for the saints. Some who previously lived in
Utah may enjoy reading about their former home. Others throughout the US may
simply want to know what is happening near Church headquarters.
I am sorry about your depression. Honestly, you do not need to worry about who is reading the DN.
I am sorry about your depression. Honestly, you do not need to worry about who is reading the DN.
Depressed | 1:53 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
I'm depressed because football season is almost over!! I have found that
arena football helps during the "bad" times, but nothing beats the
months of Sep through Jan!! booo hoooo
A "pill popper" | 2:49 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
The great depression debate again!
I am a practicing LDS woman in my 30's, mother of 2 and a user of anti-depressant drugs for much of my adult life. I have had successful periods without them as well. A few thoughts:
1)Anti-depressants saved my life. I was suicidal as a teen and counseling wasn't enough. The drugs helped because they addressed a BIOLOGICAL, CHEMICAL problem in my brain. Why are those who take anti-depressants fair game for ridicule? The brain is an organ just like the heart, liver, kidneys or lungs and sometimes needs medical treatment. Sure, they might be prescribed too often, but often they help when nothing else will.
2)The LDS church has done a great deal to help me with my mental health issues. I even received wonderful PPD counseling (from an independent, licensed professional)with the help of Church funds.
3)It's simple-minded to blame OR completely discount an LDS-depression connection. Think, don't spew nonsense!
4)I have many out-of-state, non-LDS friends, and their rates of depression seem high. Some medicate with alcohol (which is a depressant!)
5)Natural cures may help, but many are largely untested and even they can have serious side-effects! Natural doesn't automatically equal safe.
Peace!
I am a practicing LDS woman in my 30's, mother of 2 and a user of anti-depressant drugs for much of my adult life. I have had successful periods without them as well. A few thoughts:
1)Anti-depressants saved my life. I was suicidal as a teen and counseling wasn't enough. The drugs helped because they addressed a BIOLOGICAL, CHEMICAL problem in my brain. Why are those who take anti-depressants fair game for ridicule? The brain is an organ just like the heart, liver, kidneys or lungs and sometimes needs medical treatment. Sure, they might be prescribed too often, but often they help when nothing else will.
2)The LDS church has done a great deal to help me with my mental health issues. I even received wonderful PPD counseling (from an independent, licensed professional)with the help of Church funds.
3)It's simple-minded to blame OR completely discount an LDS-depression connection. Think, don't spew nonsense!
4)I have many out-of-state, non-LDS friends, and their rates of depression seem high. Some medicate with alcohol (which is a depressant!)
5)Natural cures may help, but many are largely untested and even they can have serious side-effects! Natural doesn't automatically equal safe.
Peace!
Bob G | 5:34 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
And many of these mentally disabled are running our government. Ever wonder why
Utah government is a mess? The people are so mentally depressed they can't
think for themselves or how to vote on issues. It also shows in the driving
habits and accident rates in Utah, they don't have the ability to make
mental decisions when behind the wheel. Mind altering drugs and driving
don't mix and it's against the law but a DUI for drug abuse is non
exixtent in Utah. No wonder so many get in accidents with drinkers and drugged
drivers, neither can control their vehicles but the person that had a beer gets
all the blame. And the education system in Utah perpetrates the problem putting
the children on these mind drugs so the teachers can cope with the oversized
classes they are forced with. Closing schools does not help the problem of
keeping smaller class sizes. Like Utah's muliti-million dollar slogan says,
'Life Elevated' and many live up to it. Maybe that's why it was
chosen.
tooting of the horn | 6:23 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
rz -
It's not so much about high and unattainable standards set by some Mormons,
it's the constant sanctimonious, tooting their own horn about achieving these.
The rest of us go about these things in a quiet, private manner not interested in setting ourselves apart but working together.
It's not so much about high and unattainable standards set by some Mormons,
it's the constant sanctimonious, tooting their own horn about achieving these.
The rest of us go about these things in a quiet, private manner not interested in setting ourselves apart but working together.
Former Utahn | 6:54 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
I lived in Utah twice and would be depressed too if all my education came from
there. I am still stuck on Utah ranking 51st out of 50.
LDS in Utah and elsewhere have the same demands on time, family, perfection etc. The church is not the cause of so much depression. I was in Florida and depressed but it had nothing to do with the church.
Miss Synthia Forsyth; you are probably depressed because you apparently insist on calling yourself Miss Synthia Forsyth. Life is great, live a little. You can follow the gospel principals and still have an enjoyable life. Also, people from outside Utah read the Deseret News because they have ties to the community and want to know whats going on there.
LDS in Utah and elsewhere have the same demands on time, family, perfection etc. The church is not the cause of so much depression. I was in Florida and depressed but it had nothing to do with the church.
Miss Synthia Forsyth; you are probably depressed because you apparently insist on calling yourself Miss Synthia Forsyth. Life is great, live a little. You can follow the gospel principals and still have an enjoyable life. Also, people from outside Utah read the Deseret News because they have ties to the community and want to know whats going on there.
Is it safe? | 7:09 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
To be packing, with kidnappers, tazers, fighting over a kid's game,
polygamy gone wild, and now this.
GWB | 7:34 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
Anonymous | 4:07 a.m. Nov. 29, 2007 says the research was underwritten by Wyeth
so it is no surprise that it came to the conclusion that we need more mental
health coverage.
Following that logic, it isn't surprising that when Exxon funds (through a think tank) research on global warming, the conclusion is that it is not man mad and that hydorcarbon consumption has nothing to do with it.
Depression is very real in Utah, but ask your great grandparents who lived in the early 1900's in SLC how bad the inversions got and how black that haze was. I have, and it wasn't black and as depressing before the automobile use became so prevalent and before industrial giants like Geneva were pumping tons of light blocking particulates into the air.
Take care of the environment in the valley and you will see mental health improve, either that or use my cure, a good day of skiing where you get both endorphins and a clean dose of sun without the haze.
Following that logic, it isn't surprising that when Exxon funds (through a think tank) research on global warming, the conclusion is that it is not man mad and that hydorcarbon consumption has nothing to do with it.
Depression is very real in Utah, but ask your great grandparents who lived in the early 1900's in SLC how bad the inversions got and how black that haze was. I have, and it wasn't black and as depressing before the automobile use became so prevalent and before industrial giants like Geneva were pumping tons of light blocking particulates into the air.
Take care of the environment in the valley and you will see mental health improve, either that or use my cure, a good day of skiing where you get both endorphins and a clean dose of sun without the haze.
non-lds in utah county | 7:41 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
I'm a non-LDS living in utah county. For at least one year, my neighbors
were like "we'll die for you" friends to us. During the last
Christmas one neighbor invited us for the "Christmas" party, and when
we've got home, and when we've opened the gift box, there was a Book
Of Mormon and a two page story of how their family is living in heaven as a
family. Since we did not become Mormons, now my family is completely isolated
from the rest of the neighbors. We were not invited for at least a neighborhood
gathering from that time onwards. If there is so much pressure is coming to
non-lds living in this state, under how much pressure the Mormons are living to
convert each and everyone in the utah to their religion. This is truely a
depressed state. The LDS Church has manipulated their sheep, and there comes all
kinds of depression to the Mormons, and they transfer that to the rest of the
people who are living in this state.
Greg | 8:25 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
I am an active Mormon, who has been less-then-active at times I have lived
inside and outside of Utah. My mother is Baptist, my father LDS. Here is my
opinion, based on my own actual experiences and not on my prejudices:
- Depression is very complicated and very personal. Many, many factors are involved including your own chemistry, diet, your upbringing, your culture, etc., etc. I have discovered for myself that junk food and sugar is the main factor. Ice cream is the devil.
- If you want to be happy, be moderate in all things *. Don't overeat, over-medicate, or over-sex yourself. Don't over-obsess on your religion, on what you are doing wrong or right, on what others are doing or not doing that doesn't effect you. Don't worry about what others think of you, if it doesn't effect them.
- Love people more (especially your family), be more charitable, be more forgiving, and have more faith that things will be better, that you can make things better, when you are having a bad day.
- Depression is very complicated and very personal. Many, many factors are involved including your own chemistry, diet, your upbringing, your culture, etc., etc. I have discovered for myself that junk food and sugar is the main factor. Ice cream is the devil.
- If you want to be happy, be moderate in all things *. Don't overeat, over-medicate, or over-sex yourself. Don't over-obsess on your religion, on what you are doing wrong or right, on what others are doing or not doing that doesn't effect you. Don't worry about what others think of you, if it doesn't effect them.
- Love people more (especially your family), be more charitable, be more forgiving, and have more faith that things will be better, that you can make things better, when you are having a bad day.
susan | 8:30 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
I am not from Utah, but from what I have experienced, it seems these
"children", yes "children" are expected to marry at an
extremely ridiculously young age and begin to procreate immediately. I have
never seen so many women under the age of 25 with three, four and even five
children. That is depressing! How are these young girls expected to become
mothers when they themselves are children. Let them grow and mature, establish
jobs they are proud of and then decide upon the CHOICE of motherhood!
I'm no statistician, but . . . | 8:31 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
This is a simple case of lying with statistics. The rate of depression was
calculated using lack of access to mental health services; lack of coverage for
mental health services on most employer-provided insurance plans; percent of
residents who say they can't afford health care; prevalence of serious
depression; and suicide rates.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that lack of access and affordability shouldn't be used to calculate the rate of depression.
If people in Utah lack access to mental health services because they live farther from mental health facilities than people in Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey . . . well, duh. Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada are much bigger than those states, and therefore many residents will automatically live farther away.
Finally, more Utahns may not be able to afford the cost of health care because they have lower incomes and more children per capita than the rest of the nation.
It's a stupid formula and a meaningless statistic.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that lack of access and affordability shouldn't be used to calculate the rate of depression.
If people in Utah lack access to mental health services because they live farther from mental health facilities than people in Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey . . . well, duh. Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada are much bigger than those states, and therefore many residents will automatically live farther away.
Finally, more Utahns may not be able to afford the cost of health care because they have lower incomes and more children per capita than the rest of the nation.
It's a stupid formula and a meaningless statistic.
If it makes your HAPPY!! | 8:57 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
Then why are you so SAD?
Stats | 9:53 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
Don't be in denial that these stats are TRUE and probably UNDERestimating
the real problems. Low income + young parents + several children + Church
callings + Church standards = STRESS which can lead to depression. No time for
RELAXING means that your chances of depression only increase. Men are depressed
too. Why are the statistics for LDS men addicted to internet porn
skyrocketing??? We have problems that need to be dealt with. Until people pull
their head out and have the courage to face it, things won't change. I
volunteered at a women's shelter and was shocked to see more and more women
married in the Temple with 2 young babies who escaped to the shelter because of
physical and/or emotional abuse. It's on the increase and more help needs
to be provided. (Hold that - more GOOD/PROFESSIONAL help needs to be provided).
Why they are depressed | 10:00 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
Inspite of the "free-agency" rhetoric mormons are raised with, they
are told to dress, talk, and think like everyone in the clan.
When a person's personal power is stripped so entirely from them - depression is sure to follow.
When a person's personal power is stripped so entirely from them - depression is sure to follow.
Parley P Phatt | 10:32 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007
Utahns are fat. Utahns are depressed because they eat way too much and
don't exercise enough. Get some of that wonderful clean air in your blood
stream and decrease your booty!
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