Reader comments
Mormon Media Observer: Mormons have been framed — again
145 comments | Read story
Me | 1:31 a.m. March 30, 2008
When mama ain't happy, nobodies happy. The gals arn't happy, it's
the men's fault. Find out why and fix it before you try and fix the rest of
the world. I think they feel left out, once and for all make them feel included
and loved without having to ask or work for it. They gave you life, you owe them
love. The rest of the world can handle there own problems until you take care of
yours. Framed is to put it mildly, they were nailed. = means =
KE | 3:54 a.m. March 30, 2008
When I've heard claims such as those in the underlying story, I've
always thought about alcohol and drugs and how they contribute.
I'm a convert who used to drink some and smoked a lot of pot for years. When I was bummed, anxious, or whatever uncomfortable emotion, all I had to do was make a drink or roll a joint. Instantly effect.
As active Mormons we don't do that. If we have things that bother us and they go on for some time, we go to the doctor and (sometimes) get anti-depressants.
That is the difference right there. Masses of people get their feel-better from the liquor store or local dealer. LDS often get their feel-better from the pharmacy.
I had never figured coffee into the mix, but I can see his point. The last thing that kept me out of the temple was my fondness for coffee. It can definitely effect your mood, too.
I'm a convert who used to drink some and smoked a lot of pot for years. When I was bummed, anxious, or whatever uncomfortable emotion, all I had to do was make a drink or roll a joint. Instantly effect.
As active Mormons we don't do that. If we have things that bother us and they go on for some time, we go to the doctor and (sometimes) get anti-depressants.
That is the difference right there. Masses of people get their feel-better from the liquor store or local dealer. LDS often get their feel-better from the pharmacy.
I had never figured coffee into the mix, but I can see his point. The last thing that kept me out of the temple was my fondness for coffee. It can definitely effect your mood, too.
T | 5:09 a.m. March 30, 2008
Since they are the most prescribed group of people and the most documented,
wouldn't that mean they are just the group admiting it--not in denial?
Hmmmm. . .
Hmmmm. . .
Comments continue below
JD | 5:28 a.m. March 30, 2008
"Appears to be a depression problem?" Studies over years have shown
more than something that just "appears" to be a problem. Don't
try to sweep under the rug attempts to shed light on the problem. It is find to
push for balance in the media (good luck) but that report is justified in
expressing a potential link. Maybe someone should check the water in Utah and
see if the Salt Lake has been seeping into the supply. Hey, I'm just trying
to move to another possible link.
NY | 6:42 a.m. March 30, 2008
The explanation is extremely simple and just what we would expect. Because the
majority of Utahns are LDS there is a lower incidence of "self
medication" with alchohol and therefore a higher incidence of seeking help
with prescription drugs. Since the prescription drug use (and not the alchohol
use) is the only thing being measured, we should not be surprised that Utah
comes out with a high ranking of depression drug use. This just is not very
complicated.
LDS Forever | 7:35 a.m. March 30, 2008
Thank you, Mr. Campbell. Perhaps the author of the offensive article should have
included statistics for Utah women drivers arrested for DUI, for they are likely
among the lowest in the nation. Women (and men) who consult with their
physicians - rather than bartenders and drug dealers - to combat depression
should be commended.
mormon gal | 7:39 a.m. March 30, 2008
"don't worry, be happy". I am happy and I'm LDS.
Anonymous | 7:53 a.m. March 30, 2008
There's no more depression in Utah than there is elsewhere. I think Utahns
are just more inclined to get help. And as one of the General Authorities said
(something to the effect of) , "Because you know so much (the truth), you
will never find happiness doing to wrong things."
On a happy note, how about we celebrate our good physical health. Utah is one of the top 5 healthiest states according to census data. We die of less terminal diseases. We have less murders, less crime. And despite our reputation for being bad drivers our automobile accident deaths are relatively low.
On a happy note, how about we celebrate our good physical health. Utah is one of the top 5 healthiest states according to census data. We die of less terminal diseases. We have less murders, less crime. And despite our reputation for being bad drivers our automobile accident deaths are relatively low.
My take... | 8:02 a.m. March 30, 2008
So the author's big problem is that the LDS Church is shown in a bad light?
Why does every article about the Church "have to" be uplifting and
edifying? Is there some law that says negative news should never be printed,
even if it's true?
The writer makes the comment, "Would ABC produce a picture of a depressed woman with pills juxtaposed against St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York or a Jewish synagogue?"
To which I would answer, "Well, duh, of course they would!" Many LDS people seem to think we are the "only" ones who are ever persecuted or spoken wrongfully about, and it gets a little weary listening to all the complaints.
It reminds me of little children, crying to their mamas that "he said something mean." Can't we act more like adults, addressing the issues, instead of simply blaming someone for reporting anything that shatters our "less than perfect" image.
The writer makes the comment, "Would ABC produce a picture of a depressed woman with pills juxtaposed against St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York or a Jewish synagogue?"
To which I would answer, "Well, duh, of course they would!" Many LDS people seem to think we are the "only" ones who are ever persecuted or spoken wrongfully about, and it gets a little weary listening to all the complaints.
It reminds me of little children, crying to their mamas that "he said something mean." Can't we act more like adults, addressing the issues, instead of simply blaming someone for reporting anything that shatters our "less than perfect" image.
Grandma, MD, PhD | 8:08 a.m. March 30, 2008
Depression?
How could anyone watch the Young Women's Conference last night, and not understand that the Gospel and the Church are the answer to whatever Depression there is, in Utah or wherever in the world?
They are not the problem, but rather the solution.
The young women were reminded of their infinite worth, and taught to remember that in all times and all places.
It's the adversary, the world, that teaches them they have to look, act, smell like movie stars, to be valued. Look where that gets those girls.
How could anyone watch the Young Women's Conference last night, and not understand that the Gospel and the Church are the answer to whatever Depression there is, in Utah or wherever in the world?
They are not the problem, but rather the solution.
The young women were reminded of their infinite worth, and taught to remember that in all times and all places.
It's the adversary, the world, that teaches them they have to look, act, smell like movie stars, to be valued. Look where that gets those girls.
diligentdave | 8:36 a.m. March 30, 2008
I have found by personal experience that "depression" is something
that many experience, to varying degrees at different times in their lives. It
seems, from what I've been able to glean, that women, overall, seem to feel
that the effects of depression, they think, targets mostly/only them. And
"quick fixes", taking a pill or medication, is the route they believe
will help them. They also often seem, again from conversations that I've
had with them, that they are more likely to ascribe the 'root cause'
of their depression to A) men, and B) their situation in life.
My belief in this matter is that, the effects of the type of depression some suffer is sometimes (but not always) helped by anti-depressant medication. However, overall, I think that "depression" and its 'medicated solution/s' is/are often unwise and ineffective, since its cause/s & its solution/s lie elsewhere-including in some type of 'therapy', whether by professional/s or, I think, in many cases, by those who have learned to cope with it largely without medication/s, for the most part.
My belief in this matter is that, the effects of the type of depression some suffer is sometimes (but not always) helped by anti-depressant medication. However, overall, I think that "depression" and its 'medicated solution/s' is/are often unwise and ineffective, since its cause/s & its solution/s lie elsewhere-including in some type of 'therapy', whether by professional/s or, I think, in many cases, by those who have learned to cope with it largely without medication/s, for the most part.
We | 9:25 a.m. March 30, 2008
Any fool who studies we mormon utah woman can plainly see that we have more than
our share of woes that is more than enough to depress anyone the least of which
is to be subject to a patriarchal authority and the worst is all the nonsese we
have to endure from superstition driven demands.
What? | 9:27 a.m. March 30, 2008
Mr. Campbell is overreacting. While the article does address the theory that
aspects of Mormon culture may cause depression, he also fails to point out the
quotes in the article that state that depression due to an expectation for
perfection isn't unique to the LDS faith. I am tired of hearing Mormons
whining about how the big bad media is out to get us. The answer to the question
in the article is simple, Utah is a depressing place.
Pat | 9:21 a.m. March 30, 2008
Here we go again... faithful Mormons will start criticizing the research and
claiming that it is biased and wrong just because it goes against what "the
spirit" tells them is so.
Amazing how many things Mormons believe - that "the spirit" tells them are true - but that JUST AIN'T SO!
In this regard, Mormonism seems to be an elaborate form of institutionalized wishful thinking and denial.
And here all this time I thought Mormons sought after truth!?
Amazing how many things Mormons believe - that "the spirit" tells them are true - but that JUST AIN'T SO!
In this regard, Mormonism seems to be an elaborate form of institutionalized wishful thinking and denial.
And here all this time I thought Mormons sought after truth!?
Tim | 9:42 a.m. March 30, 2008
I read both the review and the actual report. I think the review was worse than
the report. The report did a good job of looking at both sides of the issue and
did not make any conclusions. Mr. Campbell simply did not like the ABC story,
and that is pretty clear. There's nothing wrong with writing a story about
it. If the state is 70 percent Mormon, and that's a fact, why is it wrong
to bring that up? The story made no unfair accusations or anything like that...
it simply spoke (accoding to Cambell) unfavorably about a group of people. I
didn't see any bias one way or the other. Utah is more depressed than any
other state (fact) and Utah has a very high percentage of Mormons (fact).
Nothing wrong with stating those two. Maybe they correlate, maybe they
don't.
CA | 10:16 a.m. March 30, 2008
The percent of mormons in Utah is about 60% and decreasing. The increase in
depresion is due to those not affliated with this church and not feeling being
accepted. However, you can find any depressed individual in any ethnic, racial,
or religous group and build a story around it.
Great example | 10:20 a.m. March 30, 2008
As usual, Joel Campbell points out the real problems and asks good questions,
not the stretchy innuendo of the ABC piece.
Kudos for publishing this one.
Kudos for publishing this one.
Snickerdoodle | 11:00 a.m. March 30, 2008
Okay, I've been a mormon before. I remember the exact mindset I had.
("I'm mormon, I've been persecuted, the world is biased against
me, I must stand up for my beliefs . . .") After I left the church, I
realized something.
No one is really "anti"-mormon. One thing I had to face, which was a bit of a letdown, was that so few people really knew about mormonism. I was trained to believe that everyone would hear the Word, that we (mormons) were investigated, poked fun at, etc. When I listened to a talk show where the host was raising some questions about mormons, people were calling in who were vaguely familiar with the church -- calling garments "magic underwear" and knowing very little about Joseph Smith. What hit me was that so few people (excluding mormons) have any accurate idea of mormonism. For most people, it's just another fringe church that says it's the only way to God.
Is it really a problem if this church really has been framed? How many OTHER churches have been persecuted? Hmmm . . . I can't think of any . . .
:-)
No one is really "anti"-mormon. One thing I had to face, which was a bit of a letdown, was that so few people really knew about mormonism. I was trained to believe that everyone would hear the Word, that we (mormons) were investigated, poked fun at, etc. When I listened to a talk show where the host was raising some questions about mormons, people were calling in who were vaguely familiar with the church -- calling garments "magic underwear" and knowing very little about Joseph Smith. What hit me was that so few people (excluding mormons) have any accurate idea of mormonism. For most people, it's just another fringe church that says it's the only way to God.
Is it really a problem if this church really has been framed? How many OTHER churches have been persecuted? Hmmm . . . I can't think of any . . .
:-)
Whatever | 11:32 a.m. March 30, 2008
I grew up in Utah. My family entered Zion in 1847. I find Mormons depressing to
be around. This could just be my take.
Benjamin Smith | 11:28 a.m. March 30, 2008
I believe that this article written by ABC will continue to bring attention to
the church. People will read the article and will wonder about the church.
People will investigate it. People will become converted to it. It is the story
of opposition, and how the trying of people can offer up an opportunity for
change.
Joseph Smith really was a prophet. This article will raise questions that will lead people to that understanding. They will have the power to choose that they never had before. I don't mind 100 articles of the such from news and media.
Joseph Smith really was a prophet. This article will raise questions that will lead people to that understanding. They will have the power to choose that they never had before. I don't mind 100 articles of the such from news and media.
Levin | 11:30 a.m. March 30, 2008
Critics of this article have missed the point that this is a professional
journalist calling out other professional journalists on their
unprofessionalism.
1. True, Mormons may be unwilling to extricate the idea that "they" are out to get us. But in this case, people who know what they are doing purposely evoke old stereotypes, when their facts wouldn't be nearly as alarming outside that "context."
2. Mr. Campbell, writing to a majority Mormon audience, hardly had to mention the Word of Wisdom, for his reader to recognize the ABC coverage had missed a crucial part of the picture.
3. And yet the general viewer of the ABC piece, as has been noted, just doesn't know that much about Mormons. Will they go away from it, recognizing that depression is a serious problem, and thinking for a minute about the interplay with self-medication?
4. Or will they go away feeling that the Mormons don't care about the mentally ill, and that there is some "deep, dark" cause that the "secretive" Mormons aren't telling us?
1. True, Mormons may be unwilling to extricate the idea that "they" are out to get us. But in this case, people who know what they are doing purposely evoke old stereotypes, when their facts wouldn't be nearly as alarming outside that "context."
2. Mr. Campbell, writing to a majority Mormon audience, hardly had to mention the Word of Wisdom, for his reader to recognize the ABC coverage had missed a crucial part of the picture.
3. And yet the general viewer of the ABC piece, as has been noted, just doesn't know that much about Mormons. Will they go away from it, recognizing that depression is a serious problem, and thinking for a minute about the interplay with self-medication?
4. Or will they go away feeling that the Mormons don't care about the mentally ill, and that there is some "deep, dark" cause that the "secretive" Mormons aren't telling us?
Anonymous | 11:44 a.m. March 30, 2008
Hey,
We are a family of 12 and everyone in our family are active members, and 8 out of our 12 are on antidepressants. SO HOW DEPRESSING IS THAT?
We are a family of 12 and everyone in our family are active members, and 8 out of our 12 are on antidepressants. SO HOW DEPRESSING IS THAT?
Rita | 12:06 p.m. March 30, 2008
I was a single mom in utah for seven years I forced my three children and myself
to be active mormons. I have moved and I am no longer active, but still a
member. My three children have left and hate the church and have a grudge
against me for the years they had to be a part of the church. We all suffer from
some ill effects of our church experience and it is depressing to feel such a
sense of failure. I meant no harm, it just turned out bad and I feel
responsible.
Pioneer descendant | 12:26 p.m. March 30, 2008
I think that part of the issue with Mormons and psychologists is that we are
after the same people and have the same general purpose. I live in a small city
where there is a mental hospital and many mental health pro's. These
people are pushing drugs and therapy because that's there profession and it
makes them money. Mormonism is a threat to that industry. The apostle Paul had
that same issue with the silversmiths making those figurines of Diana.
The one thing I do know is that the doctrine of the LDS church leads a person to perfect peace and happiness no matter what the situation. Its doctrine is absolutely true and there is nothing better. There is a lot of shame and embarassment in the world that we all have to deal with and the LDS church's teachings of the Lord and his purposes are the solution to all such issues, leading a person to happiness, peace, hope, and love.
The one thing I do know is that the doctrine of the LDS church leads a person to perfect peace and happiness no matter what the situation. Its doctrine is absolutely true and there is nothing better. There is a lot of shame and embarassment in the world that we all have to deal with and the LDS church's teachings of the Lord and his purposes are the solution to all such issues, leading a person to happiness, peace, hope, and love.
depression: a tool of satan | 12:26 p.m. March 30, 2008
we as LDS people expect a lot from ourselves. we expect to know better and to do
better, and when we dont we feel as though we have failed to a degree. We as LDS
people have to get better at realizing that the love of our Heavenly Father and
Jesus Christ is unconditional and although we make mistakes we cant let it get
us down, but strengthen our resolve, to learn a lesson, and try to apply it the
best we can. Satan wants us to feel like we cant overcome, he wants us to be too
hard on ourselves, to feel 'depressed'. Just recognizing this tool
satan uses can be a big help. Dont let mistakes get you down, let them be
lessons for improvement and nothing more.
Roy Wilkinson | 12:31 p.m. March 30, 2008
There is a simple answer here. Notice they don't even ask the question of
how many Utahns are happy. Mormons have high expectations. If you live up to the
expectations, you feel good and are happy. If you don't, you feel
depressed. Some would say that we should give up the high expectations. But that
is not our beliefs. We believe that we are the children of God and with the help
of God we can achieve much. Every successful coach of any team has high
expectations of his players. Do we go to him or her and say, "Don't
expect so much, the players on your team who can't make it are
depressed." If we have very low expectations, there is no depression, and
also no success and no happiness. Having said that, we should also do everything
we can to reach out to those who are depressed and to help them feel good about
themselves. So if there is a lesson to be learned here, it is that we need to
help others more, but not lower our expecations.
NCManfromTooele | 12:38 p.m. March 30, 2008
Does anyone know what it means to critically read, critically think and
critically write? For those of us that do the result is the same, garbage in
garbage out.
I'm Depressed | 12:38 p.m. March 30, 2008
cause your depressed cause we're in a recession which will only cause more
depression.
Rita and others.... | 12:43 p.m. March 30, 2008
get to the root of the cause. It is found in the scriptures and in the words of
Christ. Lay your burdens on the Lord and He will deliver you. That is, the True
and Livng God will point the way and help you grasp and understand the way. Life
is not easy...don't drop out.
Matt Connelly | 1:07 p.m. March 30, 2008
Excellent article. Couldn't agree more. The liberal media loves to
negatively stereotype Mormons. Anyone who followed the Mitt Romney stories knows
this.
I'll say this though. Part of this problem is our (the Mormons') fault. Sure there's some outright bigotry here, but I think it's important we ask ourselves how we are contributing to these negative stereotypes. Here's one possibility: We are not geographically spread out enough. Too many many of us continue to settle in Utah rather than move to places where the Mormon populations are small. I know, Utah is comfortable, and many of us have family here. But until we have the courage to leave The Mother Land and build our families in places other than Utah, these negative stereotpes will persist. Why? Because they are rooted in ignorance.
If these journalists actually had good friends who were Mormon, chances are higher the bigotry would relax. The fact is, Mormons are still such a small number that lots of people have never had the chance to develop a good friendship with a committed Mormon. My experience has been that making friends with those not of our faith breaks down stereotypes. Let's have the courage to leave Utah.
I'll say this though. Part of this problem is our (the Mormons') fault. Sure there's some outright bigotry here, but I think it's important we ask ourselves how we are contributing to these negative stereotypes. Here's one possibility: We are not geographically spread out enough. Too many many of us continue to settle in Utah rather than move to places where the Mormon populations are small. I know, Utah is comfortable, and many of us have family here. But until we have the courage to leave The Mother Land and build our families in places other than Utah, these negative stereotpes will persist. Why? Because they are rooted in ignorance.
If these journalists actually had good friends who were Mormon, chances are higher the bigotry would relax. The fact is, Mormons are still such a small number that lots of people have never had the chance to develop a good friendship with a committed Mormon. My experience has been that making friends with those not of our faith breaks down stereotypes. Let's have the courage to leave Utah.
Pioneer 2 | 1:01 p.m. March 30, 2008
The pioneers were depressed and so are their descendants. It's a long sad
history. No one likes us so we go around with a arrogant chip on all our
shoulders, so we get depressed, because we know we are only living a lie. Plain
and simple.
Bob | 1:16 p.m. March 30, 2008
Unfortunately in the Mormon religeon women are second class citizens. Promotion
of large families with sole responsibility (other than financial) to the wife,
inability to remarry without reassignment of children, exclusion from church and
family decisions and from the preistood, etc......
Mary | 1:32 p.m. March 30, 2008
Rita, I am so very sad that you felt FORCED to make yourself and your children
active. But please, don't begrudge the church for something that you
choose to do. I FORCED my son to attend and he became inactive. I CHOOSE to
attend at the same time, and I am still active. Your children resent your
FORCING them, not the church itself. You resent the church because you really
didn't want to attend. I'm sorry that you feel the way that you do,
but the church did not force you, you choose to do that yourself.
Re: Bob | 1:30 p.m. March 30, 2008
Isn't that the truth. I'm In full agreement.
Depression is a disease | 1:37 p.m. March 30, 2008
just like heart disease or cancer or diabetes and many people have strong
genetic dispositions towards depression.
If you think that Mormon women are depressed, you ought to meet a few Russian or other Slavic women, or women who live under the extreme Muslim regimes or wives of the Taliban or women in male-dominated Hispanic nations. It is tough to be a woman in any land at any time, but LDS women have lives far, far better than most.
And until such time as men everywhere become more caring and compassionate (read Christ-like), women will continue to struggle with feelings of doubt and depression and lack of self esteem. Sad, but true.
LDS Women for the most part are far more well-balanced than a lot of their sisters worldwide.
If you think that Mormon women are depressed, you ought to meet a few Russian or other Slavic women, or women who live under the extreme Muslim regimes or wives of the Taliban or women in male-dominated Hispanic nations. It is tough to be a woman in any land at any time, but LDS women have lives far, far better than most.
And until such time as men everywhere become more caring and compassionate (read Christ-like), women will continue to struggle with feelings of doubt and depression and lack of self esteem. Sad, but true.
LDS Women for the most part are far more well-balanced than a lot of their sisters worldwide.
Treatment of theJEWS anyone?? | 1:43 p.m. March 30, 2008
It's true that the LDS church has always taught it's members and
projected themselves as the most persecuted faith on earth, being the workings
of those who are against God, and naturally, the truths of their beliefs are
ever more solid, since the sufferings had been so prevalent in the beginnings of
their formation.
However, until the Mormons can feel what it's like to have 6 millions Jews systematically murdered in cold blood, then to compare their misfortunes to be the greatest sufferings in existence is the most spoiled, poor me, and immature attitude the entire church tend to lead their followers.
Yes, it's true that your forefathers suffered, but please, don't even try to compare just how much others have experienced, that makes the Mormons' suffering to be so pathetically superficial.
However, until the Mormons can feel what it's like to have 6 millions Jews systematically murdered in cold blood, then to compare their misfortunes to be the greatest sufferings in existence is the most spoiled, poor me, and immature attitude the entire church tend to lead their followers.
Yes, it's true that your forefathers suffered, but please, don't even try to compare just how much others have experienced, that makes the Mormons' suffering to be so pathetically superficial.
Re: Mary | 1:57 p.m. March 30, 2008
Yes, I understand, I do not blame the church for my error or my being a fool. I
was trying to do what I thought was the right thing because I was convinced that
mormonisim was true, but now with the years I have learned that it is mostly a
house of cards with too many of the cards being false and harmful. I am happy
that more of the truth about mormonism is being exposed so people will make
wiser decisions than mine and avoid the damage that I endure. I wish you well,
Rita
Rebecca | 1:56 p.m. March 30, 2008
Well Bob, I am one of those Mormon women who according to you are treated as
second class citizens. I disagree most strongly. Yes I have a big family and I
don't work outside the home. I have been taught since I was young that
women are every bit as important as men and I have never heard anything contrary
to it from the Church.
Re: Bob | 1:58 p.m. March 30, 2008
Here are the words of our late Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley on women: Every woman
is a daughter of God. You cannot offend her without offending Him.
Women are such a necessary part of the plan of happiness which our Heavenly Father has outlined for us. That plan cannot operate without them.
Does that sound like he is treating us like second class citizens to you?
Women are such a necessary part of the plan of happiness which our Heavenly Father has outlined for us. That plan cannot operate without them.
Does that sound like he is treating us like second class citizens to you?
Tudor Rose | 2:01 p.m. March 30, 2008
re: depression is a disease. You are so correct.
I also believe that depression is inherited in some families. I don't think the L D S church, and those who are not inflicted with the disease fully understand what a sensitive thing depression is.
What really gripes me is when someone in the church says's because someone is depressed they must have been possessed with the devil, and that they are not living gospel principles nor living righteously. That is so out of the DARK AGES! It really repulses me that there are these kinds of people living in this day and age who have that kind of mentality and thinking. Truly weird!
I also believe that depression is inherited in some families. I don't think the L D S church, and those who are not inflicted with the disease fully understand what a sensitive thing depression is.
What really gripes me is when someone in the church says's because someone is depressed they must have been possessed with the devil, and that they are not living gospel principles nor living righteously. That is so out of the DARK AGES! It really repulses me that there are these kinds of people living in this day and age who have that kind of mentality and thinking. Truly weird!
Mormon, I am perfect! | 2:12 p.m. March 30, 2008
,This is what I hear from my two 13 year old boy's who have a friend that
are LDS. We are Christians and I have a very good understanding of the Mormon
culture. I hear from Mormons all the time that complain of members in there
church of being hipocrites. Living up to the churchs standards is one thing but
there are way many LDS people that are very judgemental about their fellow
church members. Either your'e in or your out of the circle of worthieness
in the Mormon Church. Nothing wrong with high standards and expectation, but
that is also where your members and neighbors who are not members get their
depression, suicide and substance abuses from. Of course you will say that all
that is believed and preached in the Mormon Church is God's word and the
only way to eternity is being a "Good Mormon". Not so, out of the
Billions of people who inhabit the earth who are of so many other religions and
faith you cannot tell me God is going to shun the rest of the Non-Mormon
population and condem them to hell. It's a great day to be a Christian.
Jared | 2:28 p.m. March 30, 2008
If you read the Mental Health America report, there are 19 states (including
D.C.) that have more per capita anti-depressant use than Utah does. Why
wasn't this brought up in the ABC article? They cite a different study by
Express Scripts that says that Utah is more medicated than any other state.
Those two numbers don't match up. Which one is correct? I don't know.
The ABC article is typical journalism - not quite accurate.
Andy | 2:30 p.m. March 30, 2008
No big surprises here, to be honest. Most (not all) Mormon girls I know seem a
bit crazy in that they seem to try too hard to project a facade of forced
cheerfulness and perfection that strikes me as slighty creepy and disingenuous.
Makes me wonder what is going on in the minds and souls behind the manic smiles.
Lynn Tilton | 2:34 p.m. March 30, 2008
After more than three decades as a journalist, I've yet to write a
gloom-and-doom story. Instead, the focus has been on success. For example, at
present I'm working on a 3,000-word feature for a construction magazine
regarding the effects of the current financial crisis on theirindustry.
Instead of gathering quotes from contractors lamenting their situation, the focus is on what can be done to cut back on expenses so a company may survive. Counsel comes from manufacturers, distributors, and successful fellow contractors.
When dealing with a negative situation it makes sense to offer solutions rather than waste time weeping and finger pointing.
Instead of gathering quotes from contractors lamenting their situation, the focus is on what can be done to cut back on expenses so a company may survive. Counsel comes from manufacturers, distributors, and successful fellow contractors.
When dealing with a negative situation it makes sense to offer solutions rather than waste time weeping and finger pointing.
Dear Bob | 2:44 p.m. March 30, 2008
I am so sorry if you perceive that as how "Mormon" women are treated.
I have never ever felt like a second class citizen, and have never been excluded
or ignored because I am a woman.
It is probably true that there are more depressed people in the world than we know about -- seeking help is important, "Mormon" or not, so that we can survive day to day, woman or not.
I am so grateful for the Gospel, the members of the Church, friends of every faith, doctors, medicines, all of which can be used to help lift the burden of depression.
My heart aches for those who don't know of or use those resources as appropriate, and struggle alone.
It is probably true that there are more depressed people in the world than we know about -- seeking help is important, "Mormon" or not, so that we can survive day to day, woman or not.
I am so grateful for the Gospel, the members of the Church, friends of every faith, doctors, medicines, all of which can be used to help lift the burden of depression.
My heart aches for those who don't know of or use those resources as appropriate, and struggle alone.
Sacrament Mtg | 2:42 p.m. March 30, 2008
It's true. Many members hide their depression. Although when they get up in
church to give a testimony talk it really comes out. It is pretty heart breaking
that some suffer so much and live behind a mask.
Jim | 2:54 p.m. March 30, 2008
2:44 p m
You are one of the lucky ones and good for you! Some men do have respect for woman. So you are a lucky one! Also, Have a great day!
You are one of the lucky ones and good for you! Some men do have respect for woman. So you are a lucky one! Also, Have a great day!
Observer | 3:10 p.m. March 30, 2008
Could it be possible that the high rate of depression in Utah is due to the
unattainable high standards that the LDS church puts on it's members?
Having lived in Utah for over 40 years, there seem to be a large number of
people who seem to be holding onto some kind of Celestial facade by the skin of
their teeth, ready at any moment to crack. And, on the other hand, there seem to
be a large number of people who couldn't meet the standards set by the LDS
church and seem depressed about it. Just an observation.
Paul | 3:26 p.m. March 30, 2008
It's interesting that we allowed ourselves to be led to the conclusion that
the rate of medication using 'anti-depressant drugs' equals the rate
of depression. My wife was prescribed an 'anti-depressant' drug for
migrains. She's anything but depressed.
And, by the way, the Gread Salt Lake isn't especially deep, it is in fact quite shallow in many (maybe most) places.
And, by the way, the Gread Salt Lake isn't especially deep, it is in fact quite shallow in many (maybe most) places.
just sad | 3:20 p.m. March 30, 2008
I was born and raised a Mormon, by my mother who tried to be a Mormon, but she
only lived the Mormon life on Sunday's the rest of the week was
whatever.
now I am married to that same kind of person.
I see them both be goody to shoes at church, and then
nothing during the week.
now our daughter has follow in the same foot steps.
yes, this deeply sadens my heart.
this same story maybe through out Mormon families.
If I was to share this stoy with my mother,
she would say "O my, that is not true,"
O, but it is true, she just dosen't want to see it.
she would never have done anything wrong, o no.
it just adds to my sad mountain.
I am glad to have added in my comments.
I feel better.
now I am married to that same kind of person.
I see them both be goody to shoes at church, and then
nothing during the week.
now our daughter has follow in the same foot steps.
yes, this deeply sadens my heart.
this same story maybe through out Mormon families.
If I was to share this stoy with my mother,
she would say "O my, that is not true,"
O, but it is true, she just dosen't want to see it.
she would never have done anything wrong, o no.
it just adds to my sad mountain.
I am glad to have added in my comments.
I feel better.
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.
- SUU falls to Tennessee Tech 10:35 p.m.
- NHL roundup: Crosby leads Pens 10:27 p.m.
- Shelters seeing more hungry families 10:25 p.m.
- NBA roundup: Wolves lose again 10:24 p.m.
- New holiday meaning for Breinholt 10:23 p.m.
- Bruins edge Wild in shootout 10:16 p.m.
- News briefs 10:15 p.m.
- Scheyer leads Duke over ASU 10:14 p.m.
- Kidd 2nd all-time in assists 10:12 p.m.
- Birthdays for Thursday, Nov. 26 10:10 p.m.
- Donny and Kym dance to victory
- Howard made the rivalry a rivalry
- Cave rescuers committed to free man
- Cougars cruise past Southern
- Loyal to Cougarettes, Crimson Line
- Twitterati to BCS: 'We hate you.'
- Y. focused on 10-win season
- BYU has slim shot at BCS
- Thunder rolls by Jazz
- Witness describes '99 killing
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
258 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?227
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple208
- RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks202
- Bronco, Kyle rubber match139
- BYU records with win133
- Letters: Rushing to judge Palin129
- Boys basketball rankings108
- Thunder rolls by Jazz103
- Hall, Johnson matchup key102
I guess the Cougars didn't want to exert themselves too much before the...
Latest comments
Television has gone down hill since the mid 90s when the non-cable networks...
I agree, Collison and Bobby Brown are 2 examples of real talent that just...
for the line-up. Some of us will actually be sitting home watching TV.
I dont worry much about Maxs' blindside with Reynolds at Left Tackle....
It is a one horse race in 2A. South Sevier is deep and talented and have the...
"..if this happened at a west side school, there would not be additional...
Go Duke! The Stanford of the East!
If by not changing anything Whittingham means the Utes will be picking off...
Bunch of tightwads on this comment board upset about the money we're spending...
This is definitely a worthy cause, but a foolish way to go about shedding...
Advertisements