Utah No. 1 State for Depression... (Ogden, West Jordan: debt, work, homes)

[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]

Uh oh....here comes another LDS / non-LDS debate.

[Alaskapat528]

Originally Posted by DP525

Uh oh....here comes another LDS / non-LDS debate.

Are you referring to the Latter Day Saints? Not quite sure what you mean unless it's because it's a large Mormon population they are depressed.

[kwm03160]

I think that a lot of the depression stems from the "Keeping up with the Jonses" attitude (at least in the Salt Lake Valley). The debt acquired to keep up with your neighbors could lead to depression. When I drive through South Jordan on my way home to West Jordan, I just shake my head when I see young twentysomethings with 700K homes... and the wife doesn't work. I realize that there are wealthy young people out there, but I don't think there are as many as I'm seeing.

[Alaskapat528]

Originally Posted by kwm03160

I think that a lot of the depression stems from the "Keeping up with the Jonses" attitude (at least in the Salt Lake Valley). The debt acquired to keep up with your neighbors could lead to depression. When I drive through South Jordan on my way home to West Jordan, I just shake my head when I see young twentysomethings with 700K homes... and the wife doesn't work. I realize that there are wealthy young people out there, but I don't think there are as many as I'm seeing.

Yeah I never understood that mindset. As long as I have a decent home, decent car and money to pay my bills with some left over, that's fine. I have a niece I love dearly in Conn., and she has that "keeping up" mindset. They live in a $600,000 home and seem to always want more.

[DP525]

Originally Posted by Alaskapat528

Are you referring to the Latter Day Saints? Not quite sure what you mean unless it's because it's a large Mormon population they are depressed.

OK, at the risk of being pounced on...here goes. Although most will not admit it, to be a good Mormon, especially in Utah, creates a lot of pressure from neighbors and families and self. And with that comes depression when they become overwhelmed with the pressures or perceive they have failed. I mean, if something you have prayed for doesn't materialize, it is only natural to assume it is because you have failed God in some way.

And on top of that, most consume no caffeine with its natural anti-depressive qualities. Also, that drink in the evening to unwind is off limits too. I am not Mormon but I still sense the anxiety all around me. It is depressing.

[Alaskapat528]

Originally Posted by DP525

OK, at the risk of being pounced on...here goes. Although most will not admit it, to be a good Mormon, especially in Utah, creates a lot of pressure from neighbors and families and self. And with that comes depression when they become overwhelmed with the pressures or perceive they have failed. I mean, if something you have prayed for doesn't materialize, it is only natural to assume it is because you have failed God in some way.

And on top of that, most consume no caffeine with its natural anti-depressive qualities. Also, that drink in the evening to unwind is off limits too. I am not Mormon but I still sense the anxiety all around me. It is depressing.

That is pretty sad. I know my husband worked for a shop owner up here who is a Mormon. The guy was not easy to work for; actually miserable. He had the attitude that he was so much better cause of his faith. Pretty sad, sorry, to me they are more like a cult. Just my opinion though.

[DP525]

Ouch. Now you did it. This thread will probably cease to exist soon...

[Helter Skelter]

I think a big part of it is that the "Keeping up with the Jonses" attitude has some "residual" effects on the rest of the population. It's kind of hard to not become depressed yourself when everyone around you will lie, cheat and steal to pay for thier extravagant lifestyle....

At least we don't have that "keeping up" mindset up here in Ogden. We're perfectly happy with our $35K modular homes and plywood windows!

[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.)