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Religion: Depression and the (Mormon) church
World On The Web ^ | March 8, 2008 | Kristin Chapman

Posted on 03/10/2008 5:10:19 AM PDT by Gamecock

The release of a recent study that found Utah is the most depressed state in the country is leading to controversial questions about whether there is a correlation between depression and the Mormon faith. Ultimately, the reason behind Utah’s mass depression is unknown. However, Dr. Curtis Canning, a psychiatrist and former president of the Utah Psychiatric Association, believes there is a cultural factor involved, especially with Mormon women who may feel that in order to be a good mother and wife, they “have to put on this mask of perfection. They can’t show their tears, depression or agony.”

But Brent Scharman, a psychologist and the assistant commissioner of LDS Family Services, isn’t convinced there’s a crisis in Utah and the Mormon church. Instead he cites the fact that “religion is good support” that ”creates a positive network and helps people get through crises and deal with long-term problems.”

“Are there people who feel ‘I’m not living up to the LDS ideal,’ or ‘I’m not living up to my family’s expectations’? Absolutely, there is no question. But having done counseling outside the LDS community, I saw people there, too, who were depressed because of perfectionism,” he said. “I wouldn’t say it is any worse here than in more diverse communities.”

What do you think about Scharman’s point that the pursuit of perfection in any religious community can be a root of depression? Is this something you have observed in your congregation?


TOPICS: Current Events; Religion & Culture
KEYWORDS: depression; ldsculture; mormon
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To: Elsie

To whom?


101 posted on 03/13/2008 2:00:47 PM PDT by Old Mountain man (Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice!)
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To: Old Mountain man; Elsie

To those who have ears, let them hear.


102 posted on 03/13/2008 2:40:07 PM PDT by Gamecock (Viva La Reformacion!)
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To: Gamecock

And to those who have eyes OPEN, let them see!


103 posted on 03/13/2008 4:55:15 PM PDT by greyfoxx39 (We need 2 pills, one to prevent cancer , one to prevent old age...HURRY! I am past 60!)
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To: Old Mountain man
I have been thinking and have an idea about why so many people are using the help that medication gives them. It is just my idea, but it might be worth looking into.

There are two ways to deal with responsibility when it overwhelms you.
You can run, reducing the stress, or you can stay and fight.

On things like marriage, I keep seeing stats about how people in Utah are more likely to stay and fight to keep the family together. [that is fight to keep the marriage together, not fight each other].

If you walk away from a hard time, you reduct the problems and the stress, and do not need the help the medicine gives.

Just an idea, what do you think?

104 posted on 03/13/2008 11:40:50 PM PDT by fproy2222
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To: fproy2222
If you walk away from a hard time, you reduct the problems and the stress, and do not need the help the medicine gives.

Done both.

Staying, in the long run, is better.

Running does NOT remove the problems!

105 posted on 03/14/2008 5:15:10 AM PDT by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
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To: fproy2222

Staying is often more stressful, although the better choice. Running away does sometimes offer a temoporary reduction in the level of stress, but it seems to me to be at a great cost not only to the family but to the very core of the person who runs.


106 posted on 03/14/2008 8:01:52 AM PDT by Old Mountain man (Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice!)
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To: Gamecock
I wonder if this is a common phenomena in churches that preach legalism instead of the absolution of sins through the atoning death of God in the person of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Nine months later, I finally find your thread...

107 posted on 12/23/2008 12:20:14 PM PST by Alex Murphy ( "Every country has the government it deserves" - Joseph Marie de Maistre)
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To: Alex Murphy
Here's a bonus:

108 posted on 12/23/2008 2:06:40 PM PST by Gamecock ("...Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles" and both to Americans.)
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