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Utah leads the nation in rates of depression

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daveescaped | 10:32 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Anyone who wants to blame the weather in Utah has obviously never lived outside Utah. Utah is statistically a very sunny state. I am from Michigan (a very grey sky state like most of the midwest) and found Utah's weather to be uplifting. Also I don't think one can blame the bleakness of rural life since the majority of people in Utah (and hence the survey) live along the non-rural Wasatch Front.

I think the suggestion that the rest of the world self-medicates via alchohol is interesting. there may be some truth to that. But obviously to provide andy conclusive link to faith (esp. the LDS) you would have to control for thsi factor. And since the est seems to predominate this study I am not yet willing to blame a faith for depression.

I think the fact that too many families are uninsured could be a HUGE factor. As an active LDS I was often surprised at peers who ignored and even flaunted the need for health insurance. I also think race would be interesting to look at as a factor seeing as this is the whitest part of teh country.

To: Why they are depressed | 10:37 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

My personal power is stripped from me? I couldn't agree less.
I am an active LDS woman and I have never felt oppressed or downtrodden.

The so-called personal freedom that so many people in this country (and world) claim to enjoy is not the free-spirited source of joy that the hype promises.

Rules, laws, commandments...they are often sources of safety and personal peace.

I have a brain--I think about my choices and I'm aware of my options. Sure, there are LDS people who are sheep, but you find sheep everywhere, in and out of religion.

I try to respect the lives and opinions of my non-LDS friends, neighbors and fellow humans. I would appreciate the same courtesy.

Why can't we be kind and considerate towards each other, even in the anonymous world of the internet? The name-calling and finger-pointing is only bringing us all down.

Miss Synthia Forsyth | 10:39 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Former Utahn: I call myself Miss Synthia Forsyth because as a rule, I don't give out my real name on the internet. (it's not safe, if you didn't know)
Second, I've tried living my life, but failed. TO tell you the truth, all I want to do is move back to washington and become a writer/artist.

I still don't see why anyone should care about their past. (places where they've lived)

Comments continue below

Miss Synthia Forsyth | 10:50 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

The Deseret Morning News, IS NOT a publication for the saints.

You know what, forget I ever said anything refering to who reads this stuff.

Whoever feels like reading this stuff, go ahead and read it for all I care.

These comments sadden me | 11:49 a.m. Nov. 30, 2007

These comments are very saddening to me considering we are talking about a mental disorder here that most scientists agree that it is more often caused by neurological, medical conditions, genetics, and environemental factors. These other causes such as sociopsychological (childhood experiences, religion, social status, etc.) factors only contribute to the disease... not cause it. Basically the people trying to justify the high depression rates due to a religion is as unjustified as claiming Mormonism (or any other religion)causes schizophrenia. Myself, being Mormon, would propose that people suffering from depression may tend to turn to religion for comfort, thus explaining a high rate of depression in a missionary associated church that reaches out to people who in turn find comfort in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Remember, Christ did not come into the world to heal the whole, but to heal the sick and afflicted.

They may sadden you.... | 1:46 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

But they are true. Like it or not depression is a combination of genetics and environment. Religion should be a source to turn to in hard times and no doubt, it sometimes is. But I have found out from personal experience that the expectations that religions put on people cause depression too. Someone said that we wouldn't have to be talking about this so much if there wasn't something to it. It may be blown out of proportion sometimes, but it is valid.

Pretending to believe | 1:52 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Re: "These comments sadden me"

Nobody is saying "Mormonism causes schizophrenia" as you suggest.
When a person in their heart of hearts does not fully believe or has some serious doubts about something and they go along and pretend that they do anyway - this behavior is a form of schizophrenia and leads to intense depression

I wonder | 2:12 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I've often wondered if those who are not deemed "Temple-worthy" in the Mormon organization ever suffer from low self-esteem because of this?

Sick not depressed | 2:43 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I went to four different doctors because I thought I was bleeding too much and that my clots were too large. I suffered for years and was given anti-depressants for my "depression." I went to a fifth doctor that actually spent more than 3 minutes with me and ran some blood tests. It seems I was physically sick, severely and dangerously anemic, and needed surgery. After the surgery, I was taken off the anti-depressants. I had to be weaned off them because of withdrawal (yes, they can be that bad.) I wasn't depressed, though I was poorly diagnosed as such. I was sick, very sick and needed surgery. I now regularly exercise and am medication free.
Anti-depressants seem to be the treatment for everything from anemia to thyroid disease. Perhaps if doctors spent more than 3 minutes with their patients, they might be surprised that not every stay-at-home mom is depressed.

Hierachal stuff | 3:48 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Those low on the Mormon totem pole:

Those who do not have a temple recommend
Those who are not Eagle Scouts.
Those who have never been on a mission.
Those who do not have a recognizable Mormon name.
Those who have been born female. (ever heard of a matriarchal blessing?)

Rx | 4:01 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I don't think it's the doctor's fault that so many Utahns are clinically depressed, "Sick not depressed."
But as a former pharmaceutical rep. I know that they love to prescribe anti-depressants.
Hey, it's a non-alcoholic quick-fix here in Utah.
Sort of a cheap grace sort of fix.

Anonymous | 4:20 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

I wonder said,
"I've often wondered if those who are not deemed "Temple-worthy" in the Mormon organization ever suffer from low self-esteem because of this?"

If a person believes that they are less valuable because of that label they may feel bad. Ironically, it is possible to be a pretty despicable person in many areas of your life and still be "worthy" of a temple recommend. If you internalize a religion's world view, that wiil affect how you view yourself. Some people feel bad if they eat pork or if they don't wear a certain head covering while others are not bothered at all.
I would be happy if the temple recommend holders and non recommend holders would just start driving with a little courtesy and avoid the fraudulent business practices that are so common in Utah. I'd prefer neighbors that worshiped Gummy Bears if they would just follow the golden rule.

Cheryl | 4:26 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

AMEN to the last entry. Been there as well. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, physicians in practice do not take the time to keep up on research, and thusly are 19 years behind. And they typically DO only spend 3 minutes per patient and their "ongoing training" is by pharmaceutical reps. Anyone see a problem here???? Kinda makes one wonder. All it did was make me more determined to find GOOD care. I was successful after 7 years. We MUST take our health care into our own hands.

These comments sadden me | 4:38 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Pretending to believe | 1:52 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007
Re: "These comments sadden me"

Nobody is saying "Mormonism causes schizophrenia" as you suggest.
When a person in their heart of hearts does not fully believe or has some serious doubts about something and they go along and pretend that they do anyway - this behavior is a form of schizophrenia and leads to intense depression

This was a hypothetical statement pertaining to attributing religion to mental disorders.

Anonymous | 4:42 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

Since desnews will not post my well thought out comments, I'd just like to say that the Deseret News is fantastic and the best and most open minded paper in the world. Will you post this?
Supression doesn't end at church in the state of Utah.

Yes, "I Wonder" | 7:55 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

It does. Been there, done that. It is hard to find out that some people "holding temple recommends" do so by lying. (This would also be true of anyone claiming a status which was not valid....for those who take offense)
This religion puts so much stress on these things that some people lie so that they won't have to go through the embarrasment of not having that status.
This can and is a source of depression in this religious group. It is sad.

Anonymous | 1:16 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

In a culture where appearances are everything you are going to find a lot of depression.

Roger | 1:16 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

I would be very curious to find out if anyone has done a study of non-LDS Utahns, to find out what their rate of depression is.

Whenever people point the finger at others, blaming them for the problems in a community, and then ramble on and on and on and on about it, sounds to me like they're the ones who are the truly depressed ones.

Blame the LDS Church all you want. Blame everything on the LDS Church, but in the end, you will not be a happier person, you will not fill more fulfilled and you certainly haven't made others around any better either.

change is good | 2:25 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

There seems to be some major dissension within the LDS culture.
Perhaps changes are in the wind.

Anonymous | 2:38 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

My goodness Roger,

You don't seem very happy. I for one can analyze and comment and at the same time be very content. I lost 2 LDS church friends to suicide. One had been Primary President and the other had recently been Ward Mission leader. It would be easy for some to blame just them personally and others would like to blame just the church. Obviously, it's more complicated than that and neither of these extreme views is valid. They were not residents of Utah though. This happened in California.

Clark Roger | 3:37 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Okay everybody, let's get off our soapboxes and take a reality check. Fact is, everyone has problems, gets depressed and no one (REPEAT NO ONE) in this world gets enough love.

There are no simple answers to questions related to depression. I understand that Utah has a high rate of depression, but to simply lay the blame completely on the LDS Church is pretty ignorant of the big picture. After all, fewer and fewer Utah residents are LDS.

No information is bad, but wrong information is worse. Those of you who have attempted to paint the scariest picture you can of Utah and the Latter-day Saints, I'm sorry but you're only making yourselves look ignorant.

True, many Utahns, BOTH LDS AND THOSE OF OTHER BELIEFS, use anti-depressants. Please tell me why this is wrong? What is so evil about people looking to improve their lives? If Utahns are so "self-righteous" why would they admit to having problems with depression and using anti-depressants to help make themselves better? Would you prefer they use alcohol, cocaine or heroine instead?

We should ALL look for ways to help others rather than condemn others. Imagine how much lower depression rates would be then.

JulieC | 4:15 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

When there is ever blocked personal growth there will be depression. Now, who would a society that views the 50's family and woman as ideal do with fostering personal growth of a woman? not well I am afraid. It did not work in the 1950's and does not work now. Women are killing themselves over it here.

David | 4:26 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Roger,

Yes, studies of non-lds Utahns have been done. The rate of depression among that population is significantly higher than those non-lds in any part of the country, disproportionately so. It's likely because we aren't nice to non-members once they affirm they aren't interested in converting.

Anonymous | 5:16 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

Clark Roger,
(You sound a lot like "Roger")

Said- "simply lay the blame completely on the LDS Church is pretty ignorant of the big picture."

WHY are you so defensive? The LDS church has to be a FACTOR in this whether it's a liitle bad, a little good or all good. You are practicing what's known as "all or nothing thinking".

"We should ALL look for ways to help others rather than condemn others. Imagine how much lower depression rates would be then."

Wow! You made a very a good point about helping and not condemning others.
Everyone go love someone today without trying to convert them or looking askance at them because they are smoking or have long hair. Can we agree on that C.R.?
And drive courteously!

heart-breaking | 6:35 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

All I can say is that I thank God for giving me caring, loving, liberal parents.
Some of these postings break my heart to hear how these people have never been given the opportunity to find things out for themselves and inspite of the "free agency" rhetoric, they have been completely controlled all of their lives.

Anonymous | 8:02 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

As a family physician I deal with depressed patients on a daily basis. Why is it so high in Utah. I suspect it is due to multiple factors, including religious influences. No, the LDS religion is not to blame, but it may be a factor. High demands are placed on peoples time. And that may be a cause. Other likely causes include the social system we have here. As an LDS person myself, I have noted greater community support in other areas of the country. Because so many people have nearby family connections, they tend to socialize little with neighbors, and LDS members can ostracize members of other faiths(intentionally and unintentionally). Genetic factors also play a role. As do the low use of alcohol, a popular way to self medicate for many.
Two last thoughts. Depression is a serious disease. It infiltrates every aspect of a person's life. And lastly, don't ever think you can know what it is like for someone else. Your level of depression may be different than theirs. Leave judgement to someone far wiser than you.

Anonymous | 9:45 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

I love it! An alleged "family physician" saying "the LDS religion is not to blame, but may be a factor."

Just remove the "b" word (blame) and you still have "may be a factor."

Denial is not a river in Egypt.

Farmer | 12:37 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Change is good,
Best Changes to mormon "culture"? -
1.Less scurrying to meetings - More time with family
2.Emphasize the positive not the negative
3.More humility - Less pride and greed
4.More focused on the heart - Less on appearances
5.More acceptance - Less judgementalism for minor things
6.Less seeking for the praise of the world
7.More exercising - Less watching
8.Bigger gardens - Smaller houses

Matt | 11:48 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Being an active Mormon in sunny Southern California where also church culture is much different than Utah, I wonder if there should be a depression study on Mormons throughout the U.S. to see if the depression is truly a "Mormon" thing or it's really "Utah" specifc thing.

Having lived in Utah for school, it's definitely Utah culture and not actual church teachings is the cause in my view.

To Farmer | 6:54 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Cute but beside the point. Evidently to you and many other commentators, depression is something that shows up due to being busy, thinking sad thoughts, being greedy, dressing nicely, and trying to get something done in the world.

Evidently you see a depressed person as a thirty-something housewife with too much money who sits around all day watching Oprah and thinking of ways to out-do the other thirty-something women in their Mormon ward, all with three point six kids, yacking away on cell phones as they drive their huge SUVs, and plenty of money for plenty of trips to the mall.

What a negative short-sighted, judgmental, counter-productive prejudice.

The depressed are likely to be...

* the elderly
* the rural poor
* new mothers
* teenagers whose hormonal systems don't do puberty quite right
* people who are genetically predisposed to winter changes in light

The last time I checked my religion, the injunction to help these people, to mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those who stand in need of comfort, had not been changed to "criticize those who mourn, and criticize those who stand in need of comfort."

I have lived in both like you | 7:56 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Matt. I would have to agree with you to a certain extent. But I think that possibly when larger groups of this type of thinking gets together it causes some of these problems. A person doesn't have it in just a small portion of their lives, but all around them. They do not have as much of an "out".

Night and Day differences | 11:23 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

"Matt" is right.
The differences between the average Mormon in California and that of Mecca (Salt Lake City) are the differences between night and day.

To Matt | 11:39 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

My mom is from Utah farm country but I grew up in California. My "farmer relatives" seemed to be generally much more down to earth than many Mormons I experience now in Utah Valley. My farmer relatives were not materialistic and very humble.

Anonymous | 11:59 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

To:"To Farmer"

Thank You! You nailed it...I think? Your logic is very disjointed but you brought up some good points.
Farmer

Farmers and yuppies | 12:01 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Everybody is getting warmer on this topic.
The farmer type of Mormon I know personally is much more of a salt-of-the-earth type than the rigid, yuppie-type of Salt Lake City.

What's the Beef? | 12:15 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

"Evidently you see a depressed person as a thirty-something housewife with too much money who sits around all day watching Oprah and thinking of ways to out-do the other thirty-something women in their Mormon ward, all with three point six kids, yacking away on cell phones as they drive their huge SUVs, and plenty of money for plenty of trips to the mall."

Don't forget the tailgating of everyone that gets in their way. How do you know so much about my neighbors?

The last time I checked my religion, the injunction to help these people, to mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those who stand in need of comfort, had not been changed to "criticize those who mourn, and criticize those who stand in need of comfort."!
Totally Agree! Little confused why you are upset. This is what many here are saying.

Patriarchy uber alles | 12:58 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Are we to believe there are Mormon women who are NOT depressed?

Affluenza | 1:33 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Certainly there are Mormon women who are not depressed. Depression is also a problem for Mormon men. The materialism applies to both. Many are trying to keep up with the Jensens. There are plenty of men that think they are hot driving a convertible with a baseball cap to cover their bald head, or a Mercedes Coupe.

unhealthy competition | 2:52 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Yes, there does seem to be varying degrees of unhealthy competition in existence within the Mormon community today.

I wonder why that is?

now I'm depressed | 3:10 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Thinking of all these depressed Mormon men and women makes ME feel depressed.

I want to do something to help them but I think this is problem that has to work itself through from the inside-out.

NOT DEPRESSED! | 3:56 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Hey guys! I was quite depressed with too much church work at one time and I didn't have time for my kids. It also shows on the kids when parents aren't there for them. I don't take church callings anymore, and may be shunned a bit for it , but I'm MUCH MUCH happier for say NO and so are my kids. I actually felt better saying NO for a change to church callings. None of us need to be martyrs in the church.
Why become depressed over something you cannot do. God knows whats in all our hearts and how much stress we can each deal with. So people, this is all that really matters....BE HAPPY!

To: NOT DEPRESSED! | 4:15 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

I helped clean out a basement of a Bishop and accidentally ran across the rambling writings of his teenage son. The son was writing bitter tears of how he would like to have a relationship with his dad(the Bishop) but his dad was just too busy and didn't have a clue.

which comes first? | 5:03 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

My mom taught me to always be a bit suspicious of any organization that puts the organization before the individual.

When that happens, how can you NOT have people who are depressed?

Do Something Good | 5:37 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

To those going nuts with reactionary defensiveness-

There is a problem with depression in Utah and many of those that are depressed are LDS. That is an irrefutable fact. Getting all DEFENSIVE and attacking the study does no good.

Love thy neighbor. Think of something good to do about this problem and do it.

Venting your bile in defensiveness is a waste of energy.

I'm going to stop for pedestrians, say Hi to someone at the grocery store and go to a movie with my kids even though I don't enjoy kids movies.

Change is needed | 5:43 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

It's true! Too much church work can almost ruin a marriage as well. I had little time with my husband even thought the kids were all raised. It sometimes made me feel suicidal and no where to turn, certainly, I could not turn to the church for help, for then I would be considered living unrighteously. I finely almost went inactive in the church over it. However giving up my donated time and hours to the church has been rewarding to my marriage. Things are 100% better and it worked for me... It was however a very close call. My husbands callings are more than enough for us. We still need time just for US!

less is more | 6:25 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

The very conservative 2,000+ year old Catholic Church used to overdo just about everything also.
Then they realized they can accomplish The Order of The Mass (the mainstay of Sunday ritual) in about 45 minutes.

Perhaps 3 hours every Sunday is way too long.
(Forgive me, but it would depress me!
I mean, how many teary-eyed testimonies can you possibly have to experience in a lifetime?

Shorten Meetings | 7:05 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Yes Yes Yes! 3 Hours is too much meetings!

Problem is not the LDS church | 9:16 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

The problem is the people in Utah. Having lived in Utah my entire life and then moving to several states over the last several years I can honestly say that people in UTAH are too judgmental and are never honest with one another. Moving to CAL first I was blown away by how honest people were and truly sincere. Not just in church but with the population..... People in Utah need to wake up or move out.

Hey you! | 10:50 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

to-Problem is not the LDS church. I suppose you aren't being judgmental with your comment. You got to be kidding me about California, with it being one of the highest places in the world for crime and murders. May I ask you, Is that honest? You must be related to Robert Redford. How depressing can that be.

I think I may need an antidepressant pill after a comment like that.

How to take off the edge | 11:24 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Hello Folks, It is called nice glass of wine with dinner; nothing in excess and far less dangerous than perscription drugs and I here it may be benifitial for the heart as well.

I know this is kind of a new thing in these parts but rumor has it this remedy has this has been in place for years. Give it a try you may just enjoy and kick that nasty old prescription drug habit.

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Utah leads the nation in rates of depression

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Reader comments Utah leads the nation in rates of depression

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Utah leads the nation in rates of depression