Religion: Depression and the (Mormon) church

World On The Web ^ | March 8, 2008 | Kristin Chapman

[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?

[restornu]

LOL flip a pharse CC, I am saying the bitter X Mormons are depressed in the first place to go to such extremes and than instead of moving on with the life, they know look back instead of forward all the while continue to grumble...

[Old Mountain man]

Perhaps it is because you believe the big con from the mainstreamers and it feeds some need to hate that you might have.

[colorcountry]

I know exactly what you are saying, resty.

[colorcountry]

Perhaps it is because you believe the big con from the mainstreamers and it feeds some need to hate that you might have.

Sorry to burst your bubble OMM, I am not on anti-depressants, not have I had an episode of depression, and I ceratinly haven't committed suicide. So what precisely are you accusing me of personally?

[Old Mountain man]

Why, I said nothing personal to you. What are you accusing me of?

[colorcountry]

Sorry then, I misunderstood your post that seemed to be directed at me.

The “you” that was referenced in your post obviously didn’t mean me.....thanks for clearing that up.

[Old Mountain man]

You seem pretty quick to hit the “abuse” button.

[colorcountry]

I didn't hit the abuse button. I was notifying the moderator as to my response to you.

Nothing was said, nor done by the mod. You issued your clarification that you weren't impugning me personally.

Issue settled amicably. :-)

[restornu]

There are a x LDS who have moved on with their life and are honest about it, it was not for them they didn’t feel the need to justify their decission.

The list you gave CC shows pretty much of what bitter X er’s think about the Church and LDS.

[colorcountry]

Yes, I understand what you are trying to say resty.

[Appleby]

If you have never pried yourself loose from a cult, you have no idea what it feels like or how long it takes to free yourself of the tendrils.

Going from the Mormon church to the Lutheran church is not like going from Presbyterian to Methodist. It is an entirely different kettle of boiling oil.

[Elsie]

Ultimately, the reason behind Utah’s mass depression is unknown.

Where's an EXPERT when you need one?

[Elsie]

You'd be depressed too...

[Elsie]

You'd be depressed too...

[Elsie]

You'd be depressed too...

[Elsie]

You'd be depressed too...

[Elsie]

You'd be depressed too...

[Elsie]

Ultimately, the reason behind Utah’s mass depression is unknown.

 

 

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THE

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS

OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

SECTION 71

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at Hiram, Ohio, December 1, 1831. HC 1: 238–239. The Prophet had continued to translate the Bible with Sidney Rigdon as his scribe until this revelation was received, at which time it was temporarily laid aside so as to enable them to fulfill the instruction given herein. The brethren were to go forth to preach in order to allay the unfriendly feelings that had developed against the Church as a result of the publication of some newspaper articles by Ezra Booth, who had apostatized.

1–4, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon are sent forth to proclaim the gospel; 5–11, Enemies of the saints shall be confounded.

1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, that the time has verily come that it is necessary and expedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures, according to that portion of Spirit and power which shall be given unto you, even as I will.
2 Verily I say unto you, proclaim unto the world in the regions round about, and in the church also, for the space of a season, even until it shall be made known unto you.
3 Verily this is a mission for a season, which I give unto you. <
4 Wherefore, labor ye in my vineyard. Call upon the inhabitants of the earth, and bear record, and prepare the way for the commandments and revelations which are to come.
5 Now, behold this is wisdom; whoso readeth, let him understand and receive also;
6 For unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly, even power.
7 Wherefore, confound your enemies; call upon them to meet you both in public and in private; and inasmuch as ye are faithful their shame shall be made manifest.
8 Wherefore, let them bring forth their strong reasons against the Lord.
9 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you—there is no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper;
10 And if any man lift his voice against you he shall be confounded in mine own due time.
11 Wherefore, keep my commandments; they are true and faithful. Even so. Amen.

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Perhaps there are a LOT of folks who got the, "No; the BoM is UNTRUE." message and are living a lie.

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THE
DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

SECTION 9

 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829. HC 1: 37–38. Oliver is admonished to be patient, and is urged to be content to write, for the time being, at the dictation of the translator, rather than to attempt to translate. 1–6, Other ancient records are yet to be translated; 7–14, The Book of Mormon is translated by study and by spiritual confirmation.

 

1 Behold, I say unto you, my son, that because you did not translate according to that which you desired of me, and did commence again to write for my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., even so I would that ye should continue until you have finished this record, which I have entrusted unto him.

2 And then, behold, other records have I, that I will give unto you power that you may assist to translate.

3 Be patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not expedient that you should translate at this present time.

4 Behold, the work which you are called to do is to write for my servant Joseph.

5 And, behold, it is because that you did not continue as you commenced, when you began to translate, that I have taken away this privilege from you.

6 Do not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you after this manner.

7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.

8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must cask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.

10 Now, if you had known this you could have translated; nevertheless, it is not expedient that you should translate now.

11 Behold, it was expedient when you commenced; but you feared, and the time is past, and it is not expedient now;

12 For, do you not behold that I have given unto my servant Joseph sufficient strength, whereby it is made up? And neither of you have I condemned.

13 Do this thing which I have commanded you, and you shall prosper. Be faithful, and yield to no temptation.

14 Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you, and a hair of your head shall not be lost, and you shall be lifted up at the last day. Amen.

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you shall have a stupor of thought

 

you shall have a stupor of thought

 

you shall have a stupor of thought

[Elsie]

I was doin’ FINE; ‘til I saw yer DUMB graphs!

[Elsie]

More Barbara Streisand psychobabble. Absolute bat guano.

Thank's for posting the data to disprove this!