Deseret News | Dr. Joseph Cramer on MormonTimes.com: Mormons don't get depressed?

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Dr. Joseph Cramer on MormonTimes.com: Mormons don't get depressed?

What? | 7:57 a.m. July 1, 2009

I think the columnist has run out of ideas for a real story and just re-hashed this crazy idea. I do not know anyone who thinks that Mormons live a perfect, depression free life.

Depression and other mortal hardships span the racial and religious populations of the earth in fairly equal distribution.

SFC RET DENNIS | 7:59 a.m. July 1, 2009

I know I do, when life seams to just gain up on you it tends to get to you after a wile, reading the scriptures daily helps a lot along with prayer

Thank you | 8:37 a.m. July 1, 2009

I once sat in a Relief Society lesson where the teacher said "Depression is a result of sin". I have never forgotten how many people in that lesson were hurt by this misguided comment. This is why I cringe every time I hear the phrase "plan of happiness". It is a condemnation of all of us who can't feel the happiness because of a chemical imbalance. All of the advice we are given - prayer, read the scriptures, attend the temple - are good and positive but they don't heal mental illness any more than they heal physicall illness.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 8:48 a.m. July 1, 2009

The early church had their problems,per
John Taylor: "Sometime after dinner we sent for some wine. It has been reported by some that this was taken as sacrament. It was no such thing; our spirits were generally dull and heavy, and it was sent to revive us. I think it was Captain Jones who went after it,but they would not suffer him to return. I beleive we all drank of the wine,and gave some to one or two of the prison guards." History of the Church Vol 7, p 101 1844

james stowe | 9:24 a.m. July 1, 2009

I was mormon and very depressed for 39 years then I left, very happy now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re thank-you | 10:03 a.m. July 1, 2009

Some forms of depression are the results of our choices, while other forms of depression are a reaction to what is going on around us. And still, many forms of depression are caused by chemical imbalance. Most people do not know the differences, and have no reason to learn about the differences. Most people do not understand the difference between being "sad" and being so depressed you cannot function.

I know, I am bi-poler.

It would be nice if there were more then the one word "depression" to describe what is going on.

fred

A Man's Perspective | 12:19 p.m. July 1, 2009

Thank you for this column. I have suffered from severe depression all my life. I decided long ago not to let the ridiculous logic of equating my depression with my obedience. Comments such as "you would not have depression if you would keep the commandments" are extremely naive and uneducated.

Secondly, I know lots of anti-Mormons love to make the link between being a member of the Church and depression. However, for me, the Church has honestly helped my depression, not made it worse. I am in the scouting program, and being out camping, and having something to do helps my depression. The worst thing to do with depression is nothing. The Church gives me something to do. This is my honest evaluation.

I have a thorough understanding of the grace of Jesus Christ. While it is true that we are saved by grace "after all we can do" (2 Nephi 25:23), it is also true that we ARE saved by grace in spite of all we can do There are two ways to read that scripture - I believe both are correct.

Re: What | 12:43 p.m. July 1, 2009

What said: I think the columnist has run out of ideas for a real story and just re-hashed this crazy idea. I do not know anyone who thinks that Mormons live a perfect, depression free life.

Depression and other mortal hardships span the racial and religious populations of the earth in fairly equal distribution.

I don't think that was the point of the article. There are Mormons out there that think that if you are Mormon that you should not get depressed. There are also non-Mormons that think that Mormons are more depressed.

As one that has fought the depression battle... both views are incorrect. I thought the article was great! Thanks!

Kae | 1:38 p.m. July 1, 2009

It’s our responsibility to seek out and use ALL of Gods help. Then, we ask for His guidance as we make choices. Our Heavenly Father has given us medical science, research, treatment advancements, doctors and medication as a tremendous blessing for our healing process. Dr. Cramer has reinforced a solid truth which can never be "rehashed" enough: The head and brain are part of our PHYSICAL body, therefore, anything amiss with the head or brain is a PHYSICAL condition which needs correct diagnoses, & prompt medical treatment to prevent further damage. As a woman who managed to live 30 years undiagnosed with bi-polar disorder, and has now lived 15 years with medication, I cannot thank my Heavenly Father enough for one daily little pill. I can now thrive, create beauty, raise my family with joy, and hold a steady job. I serve in my church and community. I like myself. I want to live. Everyone deserves the chance to live within their greatest potential. I hope that anyone reading who is suffering with mental illness will have the courage to seek medical help. Make the first step. God is waiting to walk the rest of the way with you.

Yowww! | 1:49 p.m. July 1, 2009

I'd say Mormons get dang depressed. When you come across a smirky, grumpy face Sunday morning in your ward, THINK why some act this way? I never go to church without stumbling across a few get out of my way folks. Church seems to be drudgery for some, and they seem very depressed to me.

Maybe they need to purchase a new bed to sleep in, or something??

Too many judges | 2:28 p.m. July 1, 2009

I hate it when some LDS people say:::: If things are going wrong in your life then it must be because you aren't doing it "The Lords Way" and also not living righteous. I bet the Lord even got depressed once in awhile, because it is part of being human. However, some people suffer with depression worse than others, and it ISN'T because they aren't doing things the Lords way. Who are we to judge another humans circumstances or physical health?

ramper | 2:47 p.m. July 1, 2009

Re: Yowww!

I have seen the type. There was even one in Snow White and the Seven Height Challenged(don't want to offend anyone). I don't know about their sleep deprivation or not but I always remember the line in the movie "Song of the South" that says "everyone needs a laughing place." Some do not seem to have found any. For others I know it is illness related, but there are those who just seem to have a "glass half empty" personality.

Anonymous 8:48 | 2:56 p.m. July 1, 2009

When your a bit down or dull of spirit,instead of RX drugs,do what John Taylor did drink a little wine,as the Apostle Paul did,remember Jesus turned water into wine,not wine into water.

O2bRich | 3:31 p.m. July 1, 2009

I am LDS, a recommend holder and like to think I do a pretty good job at keeping the commandments. Yet I am under treatment for depression and have been for a number of years. I don't think its all that related to sin or iniquity. People who think it is simply have never had the experience; they speak from the outside. I am functional most of the time. I can point to some things and say they contribute to my depression. But I can't identify any one or two specific things I can "fix" to get over the depression. But I know it certainly does not stem from trying to keep the commandments, as james stowe suggests. It just happens to some, like catching a cold. Or getting a cancer. So we do the best we can.

Try Kind words | 3:37 p.m. July 1, 2009

Depression can also be the results of financial problems and loss of a love one, and can be caused from illness. Sometimes illness like a brain tumor like my friend had, who was severely depressed for many years before she died. There are many reasons for depression. I agree with too many Judges here and there. Good grief! What kind of manic would stoop so low as to say to someone else that their depression was the results for not living according to the Lord. How could anyone really know that? Somehow, THIS REALLY GRIPES ME TO NO END! Also,it's a very cruel and mean thing to say to someone who is depressed. Saying this could just fuel the fire to make someone more depressed.

There are some mighty mean spirited people running around in the church. I would say to them- start living the Lords way and get out of everyone's face. Hey, guys just find it a nice friend who will listen and not criticize you. I think this is the best help any of you can give a depressed friend.

Anonymous | 4:25 p.m. July 1, 2009

My experience with depression is quite similar to having the flu, and it has absolutely nothing whatsoever to with not living righteously. I do my best with trying to function daily. Depression is my greatest trial with life.

ramper | 4:59 p.m. July 1, 2009

Re: Try Kind words

To answer you question: "What kind of maniac would stoop so low............."
An ignorant, self-righteous fool.
Your suggestion at the end was excellent!

Anonymous | 5:46 p.m. July 1, 2009

Re:3:37 Perhaps you meant Maniac-- I think that would be the proper word.

I also agree with Ramper.

J C Wood | 12:21 a.m. July 2, 2009

Doctor, Thank you! I have had a mental illness for 6 years and the people in my ward that have known me for over 20 years just said remarks like all the ones noted above. What you have written will educate & inform people. We just split wards and I am so pleased, my new Bishop understands about mental illness! My last Bishop struggled with it even when I showed him a transcript of the discourse about abuse that was given on 23 October 2002 at Brigham Young University by Chieko N. Okazaki. I am currently in therapy and it has helped me very much.

Simpletons | 12:15 p.m. July 2, 2009

Anyone who claims a person isn't living their religion because they are depressed, and are considered unrighteous-- this is sick insanity and preposterous! Those people who think like this are barbarians and haven't recovered from the dark ages. SOOO be careful folks, because this kind of person may mistaken you for a witch and burn you too. GeeZZZ!

Dave | 5:41 a.m. July 4, 2009

It was a nice "rebuttal" of sorts for a previous article in Mormon Times about depression. Unfortunately this disabling disease process is often difficult for persons of all faith based religions when it should be addressed as any other disease and treated as such. Good article.

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