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Depression In Mormonism - Page 2

Sad to say, but I've heard of a few people within the Church, that had committed suicide, one was the son of my Stake President. Within the Church, sex before marriage ranks right up next to murder and rape, as to one of the worst sins a person can do. Add to this, with young girls, who are still at home, getting pregnant is considered even worse of a sin, and sad to say that the girl get most, if not all the blame for getting pregnant. She might feel that she will be ostracized, or worse, I've heard of back alley abortions, dumping a LIVE baby in a dumpster, and other sad things being done (not necessarily by members of the Church), this is why, at least in the United States, at hospitals, they have a policy that states that they won't go the police, if you leave your baby there, some businesses, have jumped in with "Safe Place", it is where young, at risk teens, can go to, to get counseling, and to be a safe place during a crisis. Just read the Bible, there are temptresses, but no tempters recorded, for instance, Samson and Delilah, in the story she gets most of the blame for tempting him, but he ALLOWED himself to be tempted, not once, but several times. I know there are services like the Church's official 'Welfare Service' witch has counseling done by professional counselors, and adoption assistance, and many other services, with Church gospel principles, without the condemnation some people feel when confessing to a Bishop. There are other 'non-official' programs, so just talk to your Bishop, he has resources that can help.

Mormonism Depression

I agree with the opinion repeated several times here that there is more social pressure in the church than in other churches. Because of (1) the unique doctrines and (2) the time needed to invest in the plentitude of spiritually imperative activities (such as church activities, family history, home teaching and so forth), it is much easier for a Mormon to identify himself as a part of society drastically different from the rest of the world. This is usually a good thing. It means it's harder for a Mormon (as part of a "peculiar people") to blindly fall into the sins that are popular in the wider society.

However because the single great determinant of this 'mormon society' a Mormon has to mentally delineate himself is spirituality, the pressure put on a person to feel good about himself as a part of that society is focused on just that point...

What I mean, in plain english, is that because the main thing I have in common with Johnny is something uniquely Mormon (such as a testimony of Joseph Smith), in order to feel close to Johnny (and avoid feeling close to the world, which doesn't believe Joseph Smith) I feel social pressure to advance my testimony of Joseph Smith.

Multiply that by all the unique doctrines to the church and you get a lot of social pressure on spirituality. I agree that that's a contributing factor to increased depression among Mormons.

Depression In Mormonism Studies Doctrine Mormon

I think that these are all good observations, but may I add some more to consider about this problem? (And a problem I think it is.)

first who is to say that depression was and has not always been a problem in Utah or within the LDS population? Depression is more commonly diagnosed these days then it was when our parents were young raising children. Furthermore anti-depressants were not as widely available in the past generations. So I am not sure if the above quote really explains anything. The reality is 20-30= years ago depression was something to be ashamed about and people did not talk about it nor sought treatment, nor was it diagnosed. So perhaps this depression has always been present, but never accepted, or diagnosed.

Point #2- Is it the gospel that produces depression or is it that people who tend to be depressed gravitate to the gospel because they feel that void in their life, thus depression tend to be greater. This is something I think that would need to be looked more closely. Also does the land, and society appeal to those who suffer depression and thus they tend to move to Utah because of its, dry and sunny climate?

Point #3- This article is about Utah in general, which has a high LDS population, thus does this mean that LDS have a higher rate of anti-depressant or is it Utahns do? What is the rest of the church's rate of anti-depressants being used? Could it be other factors in Utah that help contribute, like the weather, the lack of green in the summer months, the economy, eating habits, & etc?

point: #4: depression has a genetic componeent- could there be a high genetic disposition with Utahns to have depression? A genetic marker that is in some of the pioneer families? Many in Utah do share common ancestors so is there a gene fequency that can be marked?

Point #5 Utah has a high rate of prescription drug abuse then any other place. There has been a recent documentary on this and it has been talked about in general conference the last year or two. Could it be that the culture tend to medicate more quickly and longer then other cultures in the world? Thus anti-depressants are used more frequently then what they would say in the mid-west?

I do not know but I thought I would throw these other dynamics out there for others to discuss. Personally I do think that LDS society and doctrine does promote this to some extent, that is why I think a stronger push to grace oriented ideas will help to alleviate some of this.

Message Edited... Persephone: Please look at how we use the Quote Tags here. When you do not use these tags source material that is not your own may appear to be yours when it is not. See our Constructive Posting Policy.

Page 2 Mormonism Depression

The messages here are so interesting but is the depression more in teens or adults?

Mormonism Depression

I think there is depression in both teens AND adults, and if not treated and a person is young they will carry it through adulthood. My uncle suffered of depression since he was a very young child. That's why I think it is so important to talk with loved ones or the Bishop or someone we trust so we can get the help we need. In some cases, it is just a matter of proper medication and in others a matter of talking about it. There IS hope.

Depression In Mormonism

I pray, I read the scriptures and I feel good for awhile and then I feel pretty low after awhile. Not because of the scriptures but just because sometimes I can't help myself by thinking sad thoughts. How can I tell the difference between just having a low day and suffering from depression?

Edited: CutieCTR on 31st Aug, 2009 - 2:47am

Depression Mormonism - Page 2

1 out of 20 Americans 12 yrs old and older ad current depression. So it is more common then one thinks. For many, depression is not that debilitating and many can cope with it. Depression is a coping mechanism of the body that brings us back to reality when we find ourselves lost and out of touch. For example, when we fail at reaching our goals, depression can bring us back in touch to our reality and help us to stop chasing unattainable things, or make us reflect on how we are living and get us to move on to other things. Typically depression lasts for a couple of weeks, and we run through the cycle. Depression becomes a problem when it debilitates our ability to function in our lives. If for example you find it hard to get up in the mornings, or to function at work or school.
However if anyone feels that they struggle with this, I would suggest seeing a professional physician who is trained to diagnoses and treat depression. Especially if you feel that it is debilitating your ability to function through life. I or any non-trained professional is really not trained for treating or diagnosing depression.

Depression Mormonism Mormon Doctrine Studies - Page 2

Maybe I'm being prideful about it but I don't want to see a professional because I don't think I'm that bad. I just get a little sad and emotional.