Mormon Depression...why?

[_BishopRic]

A recent report confirms the high incidence of depression in Utah:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNe ... 731&page=1

"Psychiatrists point to several factors that could contribute to Utah's high levels of depression: limited mental health resources, restricted access to treatment as a result of cost, poor quality of resources and a varied list of other factors, including an underfunded educational system and a culture deeply rooted in the Mormon faith."

This excerpt seems to go against much of what I've heard about access to healthcare here...many have said it is BECAUSE of good access that "we" are getting treatment -- the opposite of what this says.

Whatdya think?

[_Sam Harris]

I think the line about the culture deeply rooted in the Mormon faith says a lot. When you're in a belief system that is so performance-based, even though you may be telling yourself that you're happy, deep inside when no one is looking, there's bound to be some dissatisfaction.

If it's not the single people, it's the families who can't have kids. If it's not them, it's those women who want to work outside the home. If it's not them, its those boys who don't want to go on a mission. If it's not them, it's those who just don't see why they have to obey all the rules in order to be a perfect Mormon, and if it's none of the above, it's someone who just wants out of the faith, but is surrounded by the pressure to stay in it.

Is there any wonder why there is such depression in Utah?

[_BishopRic]

I think the line about the culture deeply rooted in the Mormon faith says a lot. When you're in a belief system that is so performance-based, even though you may be telling yourself that you're happy, deep inside when no one is looking, there's bound to be some dissatisfaction.

If it's not the single people, it's the families who can't have kids. If it's not them, it's those women who want to work outside the home. If it's not them, its those boys who don't want to go on a mission. If it's not them, it's those who just don't see why they have to obey all the rules in order to be a perfect Mormon, and if it's none of the above, it's someone who just wants out of the faith, but is surrounded by the pressure to stay in it.

Is there any wonder why there is such depression in Utah?

Yes, unrealistic expectations is certainly one reason for the depression. Another, in my opinion, is a culture that teaches its adherents to always please "others." The "others" may be the church leaders, the God living on Kolob, or the people they have stewardship for. Gotta always look good, and that leads to depression.

[_Some Schmo]

And of course, you can't discount how depressing it must be to be surrounded by Mormons all the time.

[_asbestosman]

And of course, you can't discount how depressing it must be to be surrounded by Mormons all the time.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I used to get depressed hanging around successful people all the time until I became successful myself.

[_guy sajer]

And of course, you can't discount how depressing it must be to be surrounded by Mormons all the time.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I used to get depressed hanging around successful people all the time until I became successful myself.

You must attend a middle-class North American ward.

"Successful" is not the word I would use to describe the average Mormon convert (though to their credit, they can't be that dumb, since so few of them stick around for long.)

I don't find hanging around Mormons to be depressing, but I do get fed up quickly with all the Mo-speak. I prefer gentiles any day of the week.

[_Brackite]

The Poster named 'smac97',' started a Discussion thread about this, over on the MA&D Message Board. Smac97, Titled that Discussion thread, 'Utah And Depression, ABC Tells Us The Cause - Graphically', over there.
Here is the URL Address to that Discussion thread:

http://www.mormonapologetics.org/index. ... opic=33649


Here is smac97's opening sentence line, in that Opening Post of his:

Get ready for the next round of anti-Mormon schadenfreude and armchair psychoanalysis of all Utahans, courtesy of of ABC News:

[_Moniker]

And of course, you can't discount how depressing it must be to be surrounded by Mormons all the time.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I used to get depressed hanging around successful people all the time until I became successful myself.

You have never brought me down, abman. Matter of fact, just the opposite. :)

[_Moniker]

A recent report confirms the high incidence of depression in Utah:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNe ... 731&page=1

"Psychiatrists point to several factors that could contribute to Utah's high levels of depression: limited mental health resources, restricted access to treatment as a result of cost, poor quality of resources and a varied list of other factors, including an underfunded educational system and a culture deeply rooted in the Mormon faith."

This excerpt seems to go against much of what I've heard about access to healthcare here...many have said it is BECAUSE of good access that "we" are getting treatment -- the opposite of what this says.

Whatdya think?

Before I stumbled upon this board and MAD I'd never encountered such a group of people that seemed to project "perfection" of some sort. Now, I think just scratching the surface there are some very miserable people... and that they can't let that facade show through to those that would deem them sinful or perhaps would treat them as untouchables of some sort certainly would seem to amp up the need to pretend all is right. I find it very, very, sad actually.

I've seen people on this board called drama queens when they were going through some tough times in their lives. That mentality -- that someone that is suffering is really not, but rather there's something else going on, certainly seems to be a prevalent mentality -- at least what I've witnessed. Those that come to MAD asking for help are often ridiculed...

Never really witnessed that from Christians before. This, I think, is something that is linked to the LDS culture.

[_sunstoned]

Well, I think one commenter on the article summed it up pretty well.

Who wouldn't be depressed to belong to an idiot religion based on a scam story about golden glasses and Jesus' adventures in the New World. Most religions are pretty idiotic, but the Mormon religion is clearly and obviously as adult faireytale concocted by a not-too bright prevaricator. It's pathetic that anyone would have such low self-esteem and gullibility to be involved in a cult.

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