Deseret News | Mormon Media Observer: Mormons have been framed

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Mormon Media Observer: Mormons have been framed — again

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To Observer | 3:26 p.m. March 30, 2008

I'm sorry, but the high standards are clearly set out in the Holy Bible. It's just that most people today and a lot of churches want to ignore that fact and have accepted the mediocre mores of the 21st century as good enough for them, and so (they think) it must be good enough for God, too. From where do people get the authority to advocate a lesser standard than that in the Holy Bible? For example, Paul said "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?" Then he describes the various sins in detail and speaks of some of his flock as having been such sinners in the past, but does not imply that it is okay to do it as Christians. Rather, he is teaching them they cannot do this and inherit the kingdom of God. Read I Corinthians 6:9-11. Why do you lay this "sin" of high standards at the door of the L.D.S. Church and not at the source from which the Church of Jesus Christ accepts the standards--being Christ himself and the Apostles. Christ himself taught that the way is narrow and few there be that find it.

"Relief" Society? | 3:40 p.m. March 30, 2008

Mormon women are so depressed because they meet for a full hour each week to comiserate over their problems. This meeting is called Relief Society. I have never seen so much co-dependency, comiseration, and emotionally-handicapping relationships in my life! It is sickening how dependent, emotionally frail, and unable to cope these "sisters" encourage one another to be. It is downright unhealthy! And add to that the monthly visiting teaching visits where they do the same thing, and it is a wonder MORE anti-depressants are not prescribed in Utah!

I noticed myself getting caught up in this about ten years ago. Since then, I have deliberately taken actions to stand on my own two feet, to avoid such emotionally crippling people and meetings, and to take charge of my own life. I cannot even describe how much more fulfilled, confident, independent, and healthy I feel - without any medications and without any "sisters" trying to reinforce emotional dependency! It is WONDERFUL!

All I can say to women out there is EMANCIPATE YOURSELVES and CLAIM YOUR LIVES BACK!

Baptist Women just as depressed | 3:46 p.m. March 30, 2008

as any group of Mormon women I have ever encountered. As an adult convert to the Mormon church, most of the LDS women I have ever encountered are among some of the most highly educated, cheerful, and happy women I have ever known.

The ladies in my Southern Baptist bible study classes were very vocal about their husbands and men in general. In my opinion LDS women get a bad rap perpetuated by anti-Mormons like my sister, also a convert, who blames her leaving the church on her depression over being pushed into trying to be a "Molly Mormon" when in fact she didn't try too awfully hard to follow any of the commandments.

Comments continue below

Dorothy | 3:52 p.m. March 30, 2008

I'm a 48 year-old woman and have been an active Mormon all my life. I love the church, the gospel and Jesus Christ. My life isn't perfect but by making good choices, I am happy.

Labels are damaging. Placing blame is damaging. Every person is unique and has a different story to tell. Just because there is a high use of antidepressants among Utah Mormons doesn't mean depression is higher here than anywhere else. Anti-depressants are prescribed for lots of reasons besides depression. We also don't self-medicate with alcohol and cigarettes.

Joel Campbell did a good job of showing there is bias in the media. It was offensive to me to see the picture with the temple in the background, a source of genuine happiness in my life. If I've ever been depressed it has had nothing to do with my religion. Life is hard and sometimes we get down. Using the gospel is one way to lift yourself up. Blaming your religion for anything means you don't have the right perspective. Accessing the atonement and living a clean life bring happiness.

Why get depressed | 4:03 p.m. March 30, 2008

You know what really depresses me? Some woman in our ward who goes around likes she's Gods gift to the church each Sunday. She's arrogant, foul minded and thinks herself better than all ward members. She really bugs me every Sunday with that holier than thou attitude. She's this way I believe, because she is the granddaughter of one of the early church leaders. I always get depressed with pompous members. It is so distracting from the real reason I go to church each Sunday. Bad spirited people run members some members off.

Re:Mormon I am perfect | 3:57 p.m. March 30, 2008

Mormom I am Perfect, I agree with everything you said, except that part about billions going to hell. If I'm not mistaken Mormons believe only they will go to hell. Another possible cause for the depression. And lastly to Tudor Rose, Come on, no one believes that because you are depressed that you are possessed by the devil. They may believe as you stated that they are not living right, but don't over-state.

Simple | 4:06 p.m. March 30, 2008

Large families, low pay, high charitable giving, low rates of employer sponsored health insurance, high expectations from spiritual beliefs = family financial stress = high rates of depression. Throw in the lack of "self medication" (drinking, etc.) and higher than normal educational levels, which has been shown to coorelate with anti-depressant use, this due to the more educated you are the more likely you are to recognize problems and seek professional help. Anyway, being Mormon does not equal happiness. It does for some who despite the requirement to give 10% still have high paying jobs and thus "feel good, I'm wealthy, I can pay tithing and I am therefore righteous". For most other people it is simply a financial death knell to pay tithing. Wealthy people, outside of our church, who give 10% away ADVERTISE their ability to do this. I think the quickest cure for rates of depression is to give most members a reduced tithin rate (0% for the first 40K, 5% for 40-100K, then 10% above that).

To Just Sad | 4:17 p.m. March 30, 2008

Have you ever thought that the need for those around you to be something on Sunday that they really weren't is just another aspect of the "image" so many in the Church feel they need to live up to? You feel bad they didn't live up to your/the Church's standards during the week and they probably feel bad they couldn't. The Gospel is not supposed to be about guilt but unfortunately it often is.

CheckTheFacts | 4:19 p.m. March 30, 2008

Actually the waters of the Great Salt Lake are shallow as are the style and substance of this article. The conclusions are based upon generalities, and based on bias.
CTF

post partum link | 4:20 p.m. March 30, 2008

I think this topic has been very well discussed on this board, and kudos to all those who wrote. The one thing that I don't recall reading however, is the possible link from post partum depression and the large families Utahns have. The simple math would bump up numbers don't you think? Post partum depression is not a religious issue, but the chances of it happening have got to increase incrementaly with the number of children you have.

Candice | 4:30 p.m. March 30, 2008

BOY BOY BOY! Here comes the mother of all lies!

RE:3:57 PM

Don't judge everyone by who your own contorted thinking. You don't know everything! I'm sorry you think you are the perfect Mormon! I really doubt it. I once had a bishop who thought people who were stressed and depressed had the spirit of the devil with them, and he thought this is why they suffered emotionally. So if don't know something don't jump to conclusions!

Adversary | 4:24 p.m. March 30, 2008

Perhaps the reason LDS people are depressed is the Adversary is very active in attacking their faithfulness through depression, self-doubt, etc. Generally, these are good people trying to do good works and what they see as the Lord's work- no good deed goes unpunished and perhaps they are literally under attack from forces unseen...which should tell them that they are on a very right track.

Cal | 4:48 p.m. March 30, 2008

Re: Adversary,
Your right! It's the devil that makes the church members depressed. Many say they have come face to face with the devil and that is why they have a strong testimony.

Re: Why get depressed
I think I live in the same ward that you do. This woman in my ward has authority over all!! because of her ancestor. So don't get depressed I just ignore stupidity. Otherwise the devil awaits us all.

Rathje | 5:19 p.m. March 30, 2008

Even if you accept the study's claims as iron-clad (which I do not), there are a number of equally plausible explanations: 1) local genetics, 2) localized fads in drug-use, 3) culture unrelated to religion, 4) culture related to religion. Then again, the study could be flawed as well. Anti-depressants are also used in treating ADHD as well as depression, but it doesn't seem the study really distinguished there.

Pretty shaky ground for the Utah counterculture crowd to start throwing a smug little victory parade.

RJ | 5:22 p.m. March 30, 2008

As a physician, I am constantly trying to get LDS women off their anti-depressants. Most of my colleagues over prescribe these medications. Everyday I see women who have been put on anti-depressants because the doctor could not find anything else wrong with them, so they tell the woman she is depressed. So when I ask a patient if she thinks she is depressed, she says, "No, I just tired all the time." There are huge differences between depression and fatigue.
My suggestion to these mistreated women is to go to your doctor and talk with him about other alternatives to these meds. The three main side effects to most anti-depressants are: weight gain, loss of sex drive, and refractory depression. Now THAT's depressing. If your doctor won't cooperate with you, I suggest finding another doctor.

Catholic | 5:42 p.m. March 30, 2008

We people of faith should be used to this practise of those who cheapen and ridicule faith. They have done it for millenia. And now that outward discrimination is unlawful, they must resort to more subtle and "intelligent" appeals. We must just pray for them.

NW | 6:37 p.m. March 30, 2008

Funny how every "ex-Mormon" I know claims to be happier now that they've left the Church and yet to a person, they are bitter, unhappy and won't let go of the past. Deep down, they know it's true but they think there is no way back. There is. There always is. Those outside the church lack the first hand knowledge of the situation and probably ought to sit this debate out.

The Church teaches what?? | 6:32 p.m. March 30, 2008

Some here claim that the Church teaches a persecution complex....I've never seen it in a Gospel Doctrine publication. Some here claim that women are second-class citizens......so we stand and offer deference to second-class citizens? I think you have been exposed to "foolish traditions" and not the Gospel. Try to differentiate between the Gospel and what some are trying to portray as the Gospel. "Foolish traditions" are not only discussed in the Book of Mormon, they are propogated today by those who haven't bothered to study and pray and gain a real testimony....trying to lean on borrowed light.

You can't pray your way out of depression, despite wht some would think. Get your treatment and get better.

Voice of Reason | 7:05 p.m. March 30, 2008

One thing I didn't notice being mentioned on here was the connection between high education levels and the likelihood of seeking out professional care for depression.
First of all, higher levels of anti-depressant prescription does NOT automatically equal higher levels of actual depression in the population.
Second of all, Utah has one of the highest levels of educational attainment in the nation. As one of the most educated populations in the country, Utah also has one of the highest levels of prescription of anti-depressants . . . along with a number of OTHER medications. You'll find a similar pattern in other high-education states such as Massachusetts - not exactly a hotbed of religious faith.

The truth is, Utah's high use of anti-depressants is far more likely to be due to a) high education, and b) low levels of self-medication through illicit drugs . . . NOT some imagined LDS culture of repression and super-perfection.

L | 7:19 p.m. March 30, 2008

WHAT @ 9:27 and WHATEVER at 11:32 have similar opinions but not ones which I share.

WHAT says Utah is depressing...I suggest living in Detroit. I find Utah to be a great place and that is why I moved here, NOT depressing to me!

WHATEVER says Mormoms are depressing...I would suggest the same action. The Mormoms I knew in Detroit (and I have lived several other places outside Utah) weren't depressing, in fact they were just the opposite.

I have a brother who is chronically depressed, I know what it can be like and what a problem it can be for some. I don't have the answers but one of the most effective things I have seen is for those who are not depressed to extend themselves and be friends with those who are.

When did you last visit a nursing home, that is one of the most depressing prospects for me as I grow older. Make friends, do something with others, you will both feel better whether you are in Utah or Detroit. One of our real challanges is to bouy up those who might be depressed, distressed, lonesome, sick etc. That should keep us all busy !

Great Article | 7:21 p.m. March 30, 2008

I think he framed it best when the ABC article as "media bigotry". Jumping to conclusions worsens a problem, it doesn't help resolve it. Why doesn't ABC do an article on all the converts to the church who have been "healed" from depression? There are millions of testimonials to that effect.

Earnest | 7:23 p.m. March 30, 2008

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints. I am 83 years old, but have not yet become perfect. in my forty eight years as a member I have had problems, but I have NEVER BLAMED the CHURCH or Its leaders for them.

Sure there are people in the Church that have made mistakes, there are some that may have become members for reasons other than having a testimony of the teachings of the Church.there is the saying and it is true, there was only one being on the earth that was perfect. That person was Jesus Christ. In the Lords prayer Jesus prayed that we would be perfect as our Father in Heaven. Now that was a tall order, but He wanted us to do the best we could to become like Him. I don't think anyone should be depressed because of that prayer, but should live each day to the best of our ability.

We Mormons dont claim to be perfect, or to criticize others for not being as strong as another.

The leaders of the Church is not asking perfection, but gives the roadmap to acheive that goal.

Boy Scout wannabe | 7:30 p.m. March 30, 2008

These blogs are making me laugh. I think we all need to lighten up a little. I too am a mormon woman. I definately get depressed sometimes. I have never known another human being, mormon or not who hasn't. I think part of the reason that mormon women can get depressed is that they compare themselves to other women who may seem to have everything going perfectly, when in reality they have issues of their own. As far as feeling inferior because I am a woman, I have never felt it. It might have to do with the way I was raised but I always felt equal. (Except when they wouldn't let me be a boy scout...I was really mad!) Maybe a reason more people get depressed here is, in part, due to the weather. I for one woke up grouchy because of the snow. Depression is a medical condition and can be genetically inherited. There are people in my family who have struggled with it. It stinks. I think medication, along with working with a therapist can be very helpful. A therapist can help to train your thoughts to be more positive, eventually enabling you to stop taking medication.

Mr. Jefferson | 7:45 p.m. March 30, 2008

The media's heart is full of greed and they have doodoo in their soul.

Used to be happy | 7:46 p.m. March 30, 2008

Darn, this article made me depressed! I thought I was a pretty happy person but I have seen the light- thank you so much!

wow | 7:54 p.m. March 30, 2008

the ABC story was really depressing

wow | 7:54 p.m. March 30, 2008

these whiney posts are really depressing

the greatest joy of my life | 8:24 p.m. March 30, 2008

I've been depressed many times in my life, we all will encounter this in our lives. When I've been depressed sometimes going to church meetings, paying tithing, following commandments and such are hard to do and have at times added to this. However once I start doing these things and study the scriptures I immediately begin to feel better. Some of the greatest times in my life have followed some of the greatest trials that I have faced and it is the church that I attribute this too. If it weren't for the church I'm sure that I would, more likely than not, probably have continued to spiral out of control into the great pitfall of depression, but as I follow the teachings of the prophets I am truly happy. Say what you want, but this truly is marvelous work and a wonder. You can do all the research and talk to all the people you want to on either side of the fence, but there is only one way to find out the truth and that is to ask for yourself in humble, sincere prayer to God the Father.

Hypocrisy at its finest | 8:46 p.m. March 30, 2008

My take... 8:02 a.m. said - "So the author's big problem is that the LDS Church is shown in a bad light?"

SORRY, BUT YOU'RE WRONG! Latter-day Saints welcome different perspectives, so long as they're based on FACTS. The ABC News story had more holes in it than a piece of swiss cheese.

Treatment of the JEWS anyone?? 1:43 p.m. said -
"It's true that the LDS church has always taught it's members and projected themselves as the most persecuted faith on earth."

NO WE DON'T! Just another stupid cheap shot comment. Funny how you invoke the Jews in your comments, since you seem to follow one of the main nazi credos, which is, "Tell a lie often enough and it will become fact."

These comments are just two examples of the endless Mormon bashing crap which is flooding the Internet. The Mormon hating rules are simple. It's okay to lie about the LDS Church, and Latter-day Saints have no right whatsoever to counter the charges. If they do counter, just accuse them of suffering from a persecution complex.

Mary | 8:52 p.m. March 30, 2008

Then I would like to add a bit of infomration about medication. I live in Washington, and the rate of pain medication being prescribed for EVERYTHING is our problem. You break a toe, you get vicadin. You have a headache, you get vicadin. You sprained an ankle, you get vicadin. I had bronchitis and the ER doc wanted to give me vicadin for the chest pain that the cough was causing. Almost everyone in Washington has been prescribed vicadin or oxycotin or oxycodone for something in their lives, so therefore (based upon the "connect the dots" theory being used), Washington must be the biggest "pain in the whatever" State. Sounds silly? So does equating anti-depression prescriptions with the Mormon church. I was given anti-depression medications for PTSD, after I got beat up at work. Had NOTHING to do with church, it had to with work, but it would add into the stats, since I'm also an LDS woman.

Anonymous | 8:53 p.m. March 30, 2008

I'm just one more happy active mormon. I never have had any reason to be depressed because of the church.

Thinkin' Man | 8:54 p.m. March 30, 2008

Perhaps more people seek treatment in Utah. That's a good thing, right?

The Mormon Times commentary was terrific.

If the media treated Islam the way they treat Mormonism, there would be riots in the streets around the world.

Bookaholic | 9:29 p.m. March 30, 2008

Lots of interesting commentary. I still think it's largely that we don't self-medicate with alcohol, illegal drugs. Education level may also influence.

One thought concerning the discussion about feeling targeted as members of the church: Obviously, we have never suffered as the Jews have. In the past when we were beleaguered, it was primarily in a series of consecutive locales. When the extermination order was issued in Missouri, we were able to move to another state where we were safe for a while.

There was rarely a country-wide effort to go after us. When we got to Utah, we were fairly well protected because we were so isolated. Also, America--even when we were under attack--was much more civilized than Germany was when Hitler led the charge to exterminate the Jews. That was a sad and horrific day in the history of the world.

However, I do think we are treated differently than the rest of Christendom, held to a higher standard. I remember hearing in the news some years back about a Mormon woman from Idaho who threw her two toddlers in the river to drown. Though appalled, I recall thinking, "When was the last time you read--Episcopalian robs bank"?

DSC | 9:55 p.m. March 30, 2008

I'm fine, my wife's fine, my kid's are fine...we are all strong members, shocking...isn't it? It's just a story people. Take our lumps and move on. Tomorrow there will be another story with a different outlook of another group with another problem. If it pertains to you then learn from it and then MOVE ON!

Paul | 5:31 a.m. March 31, 2008

Just a professional aside on this information: While in the pharmacy benefit business i worked on several studies, including one for Utah Medicaid and found that Utah'ns consumed more non-addictive antidepressants per-capita than any other state in the country. However, anecdotal evidence indicated that use of these medications (prozac, effesor, Lexapro. etc) was very high among highly educated white, and white collar patients throughout the country. Which led us to believe that it wasn't the LDS faith that precipitated this usage, but rather the other demographics that uniquely fall into Utah. (Mostly white, highly educated and white collar.) Further, there seemed to have been a tipping point in Utah wherein there was far greater utilization of these drugs among the medicaid and medicare patients than other parts of the country.

Paul | 5:33 a.m. March 31, 2008

To continue to stay under 200 words:
That seemed to have it's foundation in the communication between members of the church across socio-economic lines regarding the efficacy of using these drugs for mild depression and a number of off-label uses (ADD, ADHD, menopause, post-partum, menstral etc.). Further, we had hundred's of thousands of Union (labor) clients throughout the country (mostly trades) and found that their utilization was far lower. Utah has a very small portion of Union members as compared to the rest of the country.

So, while indeed the article was inflammatory, the nemesis of depression as based on drug use in Utah has far more to do with "medication education" than religion.

Snickerdoodle | 6:10 a.m. March 31, 2008

Why are we all depressed?

If you're depressed, investigate the source. If it's your church, then see what about your church is depressing you. Perhaps you can fix it. If it's your kids, discipline them and the house change will be phenomenal. If you are having depression as a sympton or medical condition, treat it. If you are depressed for no reason, well stop being depressed. Be happy. God loves you.

Evolve | 8:16 a.m. March 31, 2008

--- News Flash --- The media is biased! Oh, wait, that isn't really news, kind of like ABC's story about depression in Utah. Statiticians across the US just loathe the media and how they abuse statistics to basically lie to the public - it makes statistics look like useless garbage.

ajarizona | 9:14 a.m. March 31, 2008

There are lies, d*** lies and studies.

A few years ago the headlines screamed:
"Utah has more rapes than New York City"!

Fact was, Utah's rapes per thousand was 7 and New Yorks was 6.8. Justified headline? Nowhere in the study were reporting levels and other factors, indicated.

Studies to say whatever you want them to.

Some studies are paid for by Breweries that show alchohol is good for you, others show it will kill you.

Most studies are generally self serving.
Always ask, who paid for the study and what questions were asked?
More often than not, the surveys are sloppy and incomplete.

For example the assumption is that,

Anti/depressant use = Depression = Mormonism
Therefore, Mormonism causes depression.

Questions not asked nor answered in this survey:

1-What% of anti/dep users in Utah are Active Mormon?

(active Mormons are only 50% of Utah's population).

2-What% of users are treating migraines or other conditions?

3-What is the percentage of the Nation's population, treating depression with legal medication versus alcohol, illegal drugs etc.

The conclusion that "Mormons are more depressed", based upon "this incomplete study", is laughable and would be thrown out of any High School Statistics course.

ajarizona

Carl | 9:18 a.m. March 31, 2008

Depression is something I do not understand. I do believe in the principle of stopping the whining and get with the best program for happiness. You do not find it in addiction, you find it in living the principles. Simply, those who live them seem to have wonderful success. Those who do not, whine about things. No complaints for me and my family. Are there all sorts of obstacles? Of course. We do not fight them alone, however. We tackle them with the principles on our side rather than having them work against us. That is a good formula for getting through this life.

Ronnie Bray | 9:20 a.m. March 31, 2008

My wife takes ads for neuralgia, and is not depressed. I am depressed and I take ads for thet. they work wonders.

However, the shaft of the reporter's darts in this report come straight from the heart of a patent dislike for thinks Latter-day Saint. But that is nothing new, and the agenda of the bigoted is unlikely to change any time soon. 'Twas ever thus!

Have you read what the naysayers said about Jesus?

Yet, through all the storm and disappointments of life, the gospel of Jesus Christ keeps me happy and hopeful.

Keep the faith.

Rubbish published as fact | 9:45 a.m. March 31, 2008

Thanks Karron for nailing this little jewel of wisdom.

It seems that so many are willing to throw out any juicy little libelous tidbit and pass it off as absolute fact.

There used to be (probably still exists) a code of honesty and ethics in journalism.

Perhaps such ethical reporting does not apply to reports about LDS church-who seem to be fair game to everyone about any issue.

Bubba | 9:42 a.m. March 31, 2008

I live in the part of the US where people turn to drugs and alcohol and don't go to doctors to get help. They self-medicate and do a poor job of it. Almost all are NOT LDS but the state shows in the article as being in wonderful shape. Good scores. Now if the article would look at drug overdoses, drinking themselves to death, DUI, heart attacks, automobile accidents etc. the state would be way, way down. Who to blame it on? Not enough Mormons here. ABC won't touch it with a 10 foot pole. Mental health services here are non-existent. Statistics can be used to prove anything if you're assuming the audience is guillible enough.

Franz | 10:02 a.m. March 31, 2008

Perhaps I missed something, but I haven't read any comments from anyone here claiming that Mormons are perfect. Nobody that I have ever heard has claimed that Mormons are "The most persecuted people on the earth". One does not have to be the MOST persecuted to feel the sting of persecution. It is easy for some one who has no affiliation with any particular group (religious or otherwise) to sit back and be critical of those who are crying out against persecution. As members of the LDS Church we are simply drawing attention to what we see as an unbalanced view.
On depression: It is an illness. It is more than feeling bad because of a bad situation. Cause? Your theory is as good or bad as mine. I don't know.

Dane | 10:16 a.m. March 31, 2008

LDS women abused? It happens, yes. To say it is institutional is a great fallacy. Wyoming was the first state to give women the vote, but Utah was the first to actually have women participate in an election. The mistreatment and abasing of women has been strongly criticized from Joseph Smith onward. Treating women and children (and men)with kindness and respect is a basic tenet of our theology. Few things are more condemned by church leaders at the pulpit and in our scriptures than the mistreatment of women and children. Where do we read about unrighteous dominion? Search all the scriptures; you will not find anywhere where it more clearly states the seriousness of the sin of abuse of priesthood authority than in Doctrine and Covenants section 101, verses 34 through about 46. Oh, yeah. This is LDS scripture. What does the Book of Mormon say about women? Look it up.

G Grandmother | 10:20 a.m. March 31, 2008

I consider my membership in the church of Jesus Christ my most important gift in life. It is a perfect organization with we imperfect souls trying to overcome their weaknesses and sins. I am not depressed, nor have I ever been.

I can choose to be sad, or depressed or angry or unpleasant to others. The most important gift our Heavenly Father gave us is the right to choose what we think, what we will become, how we will treat others and whether we feel angry and unhappy. I know some folks have clinical depression because their brain chemistry is not working properly.

Daily scripture study and prayer will certainly motivate us to be thankful, strive to overcome our shortcomings, repent of sins and treat others as we would like to be treated. I know it works because I reap the benefits. Obedience to God's commandments make us happy. Sin brings just the opposite. I know from experience. Take control of your life.

Atheist Al | 10:25 a.m. March 31, 2008

When I was a member of a christian church, I was very depressed. The confusing rules, and impossible stories added to my illness. Learning that the christian story seems to be a copy of other more ancient religions helped me.

Most of all, a simple blood test did wonders for me. I found I had low levels of testosterone. Wearing a patch everyday has helped me very much. I'm not cured. But now I have more chemicals in my body that help me live a better life. Then I left religion behind, and all that went with it. The clarity I have now far surpasses the fake answers I was given by religion.

So depression isn't just a LDS problem. It can happen to ALL humans. The thing is it's a mental illness. People look at mental illnesses different than other illnesses. Factor in religous teachings that claim illnesses are caused by breaking your god's rules doesn't help.

The ABC story does sound like a main stream christian slap at the mormonism. That's not surprising when most religions claim the are the only way to heaven/afterlife/god/happieness, etc., etc... It's happened before, and it will again.

Cynthia | 12:41 p.m. March 31, 2008

Good job, Joe Campbell, in pointing out and making known this problem. You last couple of paragraphs should be the first, as many will not likely get that far, and to my mind, they convey the problems most effectively. I hope ABC gets plenty of negative feedback on this. I hope your article will be read by many.

Jalynn | 2:03 p.m. March 31, 2008

You people who claim that depression is a CHOICE are ignorant and harmful. Depression is NOT the result of sin. You're claiming that it is only hurts those who suffer from a medical disorder with known treatment.

You make things worse by condemning the victim because you believe that people get what they deserve - and so if someone is suffering in their life, you automatically, and ERRONEOUSLY, assume that they deserve it!

This makes the world nice and safe for you to run around thinking you are superior to everyone else because you are "blessed" for your righteousness, but you are the ones living a lie.

Depression is NOT about SIN! You cannot EARN your way out of it by obedience to anyone's commandments.

Read the article | 2:31 p.m. March 31, 2008

Did not anyone read the article? There is no proof,no proof, no proof that Utah's rate of depression is linked to the LDS Church. This is an article on poor to below poor journalism. For all the "Christians" that have posted here, you are very unchristlike.

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