Utah No. 1 State for Depression... (appointed, fit in, homes)

[chazcrew]

Don't forget our famous inversions. They depress the heck out of me! I just want to see some sky sometimes! If you have seasonal depression, the winters can be hard here. And yeah, no alcohol, so where some may self-medicate, tee-totallers get a prescription instead. And yes, there is a ridiculous amount of financial pressure, with McMansions going up all around and wages not high enough to pay for them. It's weird. I don't get it.

[coolcats]

I believe the stat was Utah was the Number 1 state for anti-depressant use. Not exactly number 1 for depression. In other states, people may be more likely to self-medicate with alcohol. But yeah, there is a lot of social pressure. My wife feels it more than me I think.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by coolcats

I believe the stat was Utah was the Number 1 state for anti-depressant use. Not exactly number 1 for depression. In other states, people may be more likely to self-medicate with alcohol. But yeah, there is a lot of social pressure. My wife feels it more than me I think.

And two extra factors must be considered when reviewing anti-depressant prescriptions.

1. Other medical conditions treated with those medications.

2. Rural states don't have as many psychiatrists, one reason the U. of Washington Department of Psychiatry is starting innovative programs to train more psychiatrists in rural states.

When more people have access to psychiatric care, depression tends to be diagnosed more often, at least in my experience.

MSR

[Miborn]

Originally Posted by Mtn. States Resident

And two extra factors must be considered when reviewing anti-depressant prescriptions.

1. Other medical conditions treated with those medications.

2. Rural states don't have as many psychiatrists, one reason the U. of Washington Department of Psychiatry is starting innovative programs to train more psychiatrists in rural states.

When more people have access to psychiatric care, depression tends to be diagnosed more often, at least in my experience.

MSR

I suppose although I do not know about the psychiatric rural care.
I do think that there is still stigma attached to seeking care with a psychiatrist like you are crazy, looney, mental and so on.
People still feel that it has nothing to do with a chemical imbalance it is a matter of choice.
Well, I suppose maybe in the beginning is may very well be.
But the longer it goes on it does change things in the body to where you do need medication and counseling.

[lemon&lime]

I've been in Utah for a little over three years. Am a native Texan and also lived in New Mexico. I've never been so depressed in my life.

Originally Posted by Alaskapat528

Just curious what residents of Utah think of this stat that came out. I know they say we have a high rate of depression up here in Alaska; not sure how true that is either. So what do you folks living in Utah think?

[DP525]

Originally Posted by catrinac

I've been in Utah for a little over three years. Am a native Texan and also lived in New Mexico. I've never been so depressed in my life.

Make that 1.5 years for me, and ditto. Unfortunately, work, real estate , and economic conditions being what they are I have no choice but to stay here. At least for a while.

[11thHour]

Originally Posted by catrinac

I've been in Utah for a little over three years. Am a native Texan and also lived in New Mexico. I've never been so depressed in my life.

I'm in the exact opposite situation. I'm a native Utahn, but have lived in several cities across the country due to my job. Currently, my wife and I live in TX, and we've both never been so depressed in our lives. It's interesting how what's good for one may not be good for another, or I guess ones man's junk is another's treasure. Good luck and I hope things get better and you are able to move where you will be happy. My wife and I are so affected by this depression that we are moving back to Utah to escape the depression, possibly at huge financial risk. It's worth it to us. Depression is very risky and dangerous.

[Aerorick]

I've been in Utah for a year and a half now. Anyone got some Zoloft they can spare?

[sterlinggirl]

Go get it yourself.....I don't have the energy

[cottonwood2420]

Originally Posted by Alaskapat528

Just curious what residents of Utah think of this stat that came out. I know they say we have a high rate of depression up here in Alaska; not sure how true that is either. So what do you folks living in Utah think?

Nine words: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
I think the pressure of having to keep up the standards that are set by the church, the "Keeping up with the Jonses" attitude and the vainess that exists here are all major factors. People here are more concerned about their appearence than anywhere I have ever been before and that causes alot of stress to everyone.