One Response to “I’ve heard that depression is very common in Utah. Is the Mo…”
Bruno Paz
2007-11-29 18:30:17
Many make the claim that Utah is the most depressed state in the Union, and that the Mormon Church is responsible. This idea stems from the fact that anti-depressant use is reportedly very high in Utah. A more accurate analysis of the data reveals that the Mormon Church is not responsible for this high depression rate, contrary to what anti-Mormons have claimed.
1) Utah ranked seventh in total prescriptions overall, suggesting that in Utahans use more of all prescription medications, not just antidepressants. Utah also ranked high in use of penicillin, insulin, thyroid hormones, antirheumatics, and anticonvulsants. Is the Mormon Church responsible for thyroid problems as well?
2) Idaho and Arizona also have large Mormon populations, yet they do not have high anti-depressant use. If the Mormon Church causes depression, why were these two states spared?
3) A study by sociologist Sherrie Mills Johnson shows that Mormon women are actually less likely to be depressed than others. Other studies have suggested that there is no difference in depression rates among Mormons and non-Mormons.
4) Utah is now only 60% Mormon. Anti-Mormons can no longer blame every Utah statistic on the Mormon Church. Some statistics reflect Utah's Mormon population, and some do not.
So why the increased use of anti-depressants in Utah?
1) Perhaps Utahns are more enlightened about mental illness. The Mormon Church has published articles in its magazine explaining that mental illness is a serious condition; perhaps that council has encouraged more to get help.
2) Perhaps Utah's low alcohol consumption rate makes the mentally ill seek help from doctors instead of self-medicating.
1) Utah ranked seventh in total prescriptions overall, suggesting that in Utahans use more of all prescription medications, not just antidepressants. Utah also ranked high in use of penicillin, insulin, thyroid hormones, antirheumatics, and anticonvulsants. Is the Mormon Church responsible for thyroid problems as well?
2) Idaho and Arizona also have large Mormon populations, yet they do not have high anti-depressant use. If the Mormon Church causes depression, why were these two states spared?
3) A study by sociologist Sherrie Mills Johnson shows that Mormon women are actually less likely to be depressed than others. Other studies have suggested that there is no difference in depression rates among Mormons and non-Mormons.
4) Utah is now only 60% Mormon. Anti-Mormons can no longer blame every Utah statistic on the Mormon Church. Some statistics reflect Utah's Mormon population, and some do not.
So why the increased use of anti-depressants in Utah?
1) Perhaps Utahns are more enlightened about mental illness. The Mormon Church has published articles in its magazine explaining that mental illness is a serious condition; perhaps that council has encouraged more to get help.
2) Perhaps Utah's low alcohol consumption rate makes the mentally ill seek help from doctors instead of self-medicating.
Hope this helps.