Sethbag wrote:I think Smac's argument is majorly flawed. He says that high levels of religiosity correspond to lessened risk of suicide, and even argued that increasing their religiosity would probably lessen the likelihood of suicide by gays. While this may actually be true for heterosexual members, I hardly think this is true for gay members. If anything, an attempt to increase religiosity by gay members may in fact be one of the factors leading to their suicide. That's because the true believer who is gay can see himself as deeply unworthy and unclean, and as an abomination, under the belief system.
I agree. I think Smac is doing what Smac does really well: ignoring the real problem while attacking a strawman.
Utah consistently is in the top 10 on the charts for suicides; just Google Utah suicides and a host of interesting sites pop up. Highest risk factors: male with access to a gun. The lack of mental health treatment options is also a factor.
The LDS church creates a toxic atmosphere for gay men. There is simply no other way to say it. Add in the other stressors, and there is no reason for anyone to be surprised at the number of suicides in Utah.
From a report titled "Youth Suicide in Utah", April 24, 2006, b Sharon Lindbloom:
Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff gave his opinion on this issue when he said,
“We have this ‘All is well in Zion’ kind of thing going here. We’d rather not talk about it at all or maybe to go talk to the bishop about it. If there really is a mental health issue you need help. It doesn’t work to talk to the youth leaders or ecclesiastic leaders.”
Indeed. I did a search of LDS Church magazines and curriculum for the past 10 years. I searched for the word “suicide” in General Conference reports, First Presidency messages, general women’s meetings, Visiting Teaching messages, and the words of all General Authorities and found no discussion of the topic whatsoever. I found only three instances where the word “suicide” was even mentioned, and all three were in passing, in talks on other subjects. It’s amazing to me that the leadership of the Mormon Church does not provide help and hope for those suffering from pain related to suicide. No wonder it’s thought to be a taboo subject that must be borne alone.
In a study done by several doctors associated with the University of Utah School of Medicine, officials examined the suicide deaths of 49 Utah young people, conducting 270 hours of interviews with parents and other survivors:
“The study made clear the role society’s attitude plays in this problem and concluded those who died faced the following barriers for adequate mental health care:
The belief that nothing could help.
The belief that seeking help is a sign of weakness or failure.
The reluctance to admit to having mental health problems.
The denial of problems.
The embarrassment about seeking help.
“The study concluded, ‘It is suggested that the stigma of mental illness is a considerable barrier to mental health treatment.’
So, in addition to all the other stressors that contribute to suicide in Utah, add being gay in a toxic environment.