Utah No. 1 State for Depression... (movie theater, to live, vs.)

[sterlinggirl]

Originally Posted by lisan23

Tithes are supposed to be 10% of your income. If that's more than the principle loan on their house, they must make a TON of money and live in a pretty modest house. There might be other situations where it's possible, but it's not likely.

So if they are paying more in tithes than on the principal of their home loan it's probably by choice because of the home they purchased and their income.

Assuming a couple makes $50K per year and borrows $150K, they'll be paying $416/month for tithing and $948/month for their mortgage.

At the start of their mortgage, their payment toward principle after interest is $135.

If they applied the same $416 to their mortgage, they would save the next three payments and $2433 in interest from the cost of their loan.

Yes this is a cynical way to look at the situation, but the LDS church is very strict in comparison to other faiths on monitoring your income and refusing to let you fully participate if you don't give them their 10%. That extra pressure and the difference in cash flow from somebody who is content to pay 5% to their church while paying off their mortgage in 15 years instead of 30 could explain some of the difference in happiness between people.

[lisan23]

Originally Posted by sterlinggirl

Assuming a couple makes $50K per year and borrows $150K, they'll be paying $416/month for tithing and $948/month for their mortgage.

At the start of their mortgage, their payment toward principle after interest is $135.

If they applied the same $416 to their mortgage, they would save the next three payments and $2433 in interest from the cost of their loan.

Yes this is a cynical way to look at the situation, but the LDS church is very strict in comparison to other faiths on monitoring your income and refusing to let you fully participate if you don't give them their 10%. That extra pressure and the difference in cash flow from somebody who is content to pay 5% to their church while paying off their mortgage in 15 years instead of 30 could explain some of the difference in happiness between people.

Ok, then it's possible, but that's ONLY at the beginning of their mortgage. LDS church members are not forced to do anything. Of course, there are consequences for their actions (they cannot get a temple recommend if they don't pay a full tithe) but in the end it's really not up to you whether or not these people choose to pay tithing. It's their own choice, and as far as I know the majority of them think it's worth it. It's up to them. And I really don't think you understand the concept at all. Additionally, if people are having a hard time paying their mortgage due to tithing, they can always discuss ways of getting help through their bishop.

But as a PP said, what you are bringing up belongs in the religion forum, not here. If you'd like to further discuss it post there.

[11thHour]

Originally Posted by j1n

I would tend to think almost the opposite. Utah is such a beautiful state...I would think that some folks would be depressed to not live there!
Who cares what the Jones' do?! Live life. Look around at the open spaces, snow capped mountains, red rocks, big blue sky, sunshine...
Hey...what were we talking about...?

A person after my own heart. Those open spaces and beautiful places are where I'm happiest, and forget all the cares in the world!

[sterlinggirl]

Originally Posted by lisan23

And I really don't think you understand the concept at all.

I absolutely understand the concept. I don't necessarily agree that the flat tax method of collecting tithing is the most appropriate, however.

But as a PP said, what you are bringing up belongs in the religion forum, not here. If you'd like to further discuss it post there.

My posts are absolutely on topic and steer toward possible reasons for depression, but your replies are off topic. I would suggest that if you cannot stick to the topic at hand and only want to fight over religion, you should follow your own advice.

One other reason depression could be a larger factor in Utah are some of the Mormon teachings about emotions. Some branches of the faith teach that expressions of sadness and joy are a sign of weakness and should never be shown to the world. Growing up as a child being forced to hold those emotions in check can't be good.....

[Aerorick]

I've got to say that in my 18 months here I have never seen, talk to or worked with as many bland, non-humorous and seemingly without a clue people in my life. It obviously must be because they are purposely holding a lot in. Because it's just not natural. And doing that for any length of time would mess anyone up.

[spiritbear928]

Could it be the Tooele Army Depot, the Dugway proving grounds and all the other crap the government unleashed on Utah. Nerve Gas, Germ Warfare, Nukes

I been to Utah and have never seen so many developmentally disabled people in my life. I think there is somethign in the air.

Mormons are told to trust the government. Thats their only problem

[Muhnay]

How could you be depressed in all that sunshine, and beauty? Red rocks with green trees, the contrast is wonderful. Nothing like seeing a golf course against the deep red mountains. UTAH is more of a living desert, with its many streams and rivers and green spaces.

Besides I know for a fact that Washington State is the number one state for depression.. if not the state then Seattle for sure.

[Chickrae]

Originally Posted by lisan23

I think basing the depression in Utah on the LDS faith is kind of silly. It's just a guess, really, with no real evidence to back it up.

I think the "keeping up with the jones" theory is much more reasonable. My mom lives in Herriman and there are so many young couples in her ward around my age who can't afford the lifestyle they're living. The biggest cause for stress in a marriage is money, and I think a lot of people here live outside their means.

Just curious, where did you get your information that Utah was the most depressed state? I googled it and found that we were the most depressed state in 2002... not exactly "current" information. The most recent article I found was this year, however it didn't state that Utah was the most depressed state (by the way, this is based on anti-depressant prescritions written) but that depression is widespread here.

Also, you have to take into factor that some depression can be the result of chemical imbalances and really has NOTHING to do with religion.

Then there is the fact that people here tend to have a lot of kids in their families, which can cause depression among the children as they get older because of their need to compete/match up to other siblings.

Also, people here tend to all "look" or seem the same. I think for some their "depression" is an effort to try and be "different" from everyone else here. (I've known several people who have pulled that one.)

I totally agree with this post, can't blame depression on LDS faith. The state might of had the most depressed people in 2002 because of the Winter Olympics....fun time but stressful too.

[UtahBound36]

Originally Posted by spiritbear928

Could it be the Tooele Army Depot, the Dugway proving grounds and all the other crap the government unleashed on Utah. Nerve Gas, Germ Warfare, Nukes

I been to Utah and have never seen so many developmentally disabled people in my life. I think there is somethign in the air.

Mormons are told to trust the government. Thats their only problem

You haven't been to Missouri have you? There are many disabled folks there!

[Chickrae]

Don't remember any developmental disabled people when I lived there. No more than any other state