Utah and depression
2009-2011 © International Institute of Anthropology
2009-2011 © Lolita Nikolova, PhD
Created: 10-30-10
2009-2011 © Lolita Nikolova, PhD
Created: 10-30-10
If you would like to share thoughts about your depression or submit a link, please e-mail to: lnikol@iianthropology.org
External links
Data and reports
Mental Health America
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/
Depression (http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/depression)
BRFSS Utah Depression Surveillance Report (September 2009)
http://www.health.utah.gov/opha/publications/brfss/Depression/Depression.html
Utah Depression Surveillance Report Executive Summary Key Findings (2005-2007)
http://health.utah.gov/opha/publications/brfss/Depression/ExecSum.pdf
Research projects
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR WOMEN DIAGNOSED WITH DEPRESSION IN RURAL UTAH COMMUNITIES: THE FEASIBILITY AND
EFFECTIVENESS OF A TECHNOLOGICALLY ASSI (Utah State University) (Jul 1, 2006 - Jun 30, 2010)
http://www.reeis.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/206930.html
Screening
ABCD State Resources
http://abcd.nashpforums.org/abcd-state/100
Utah Resources: Improving Quality
http://www.abcdresources.org/States/Utah/Improving_Quality/index.php
Websites with links
About depression in Utah
http://articles.directorym.com/About_Depression_Utah-r978125-Utah.html
Depression - Adults
http://intermountainhealthcare.org/health/symptom/Pages/Depression-Adults.aspx
Depression symptoms
http://www.lexapro.com/understand_condition/depression_symptoms.aspx
Postpartum depression - Adults
http://intermountainhealthcare.org/health/symptom/Pages/PostpartumDepression-Adults.aspx
Who can help you?
About depression in Utah
http://articles.directorym.com/About_Depression_Utah-r978125-Utah.html
Depression/Anxiety Acupuncturists in Utah (UT)
http://acupuncturists.healthprofs.com/cam/prof_results.php?state=UT&spec=10
Depression Support Groups in Salt Lake City, Utah (September 16, 2008)
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1020712/depression_support_groups_in_salt_lake_pg2_pg2.html?cat=72
Articles in newspapers in online:
Depression and Diabetes, by Valerie Lambert, LCSW (Wednesday, August 19, 2009)
http://tudiabetes.com/events/depression-and-diabetes-utah
Utah ranks 21st for depression, by Lisa Rosetta, Salt Lake Tribune (Updated: 09/11/2009 02:27:28 PM MDT)
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_13309153
Perfection Causing Depression? March 28th, 2008
http://www.utahstories.com/happiness_paradox.htm
Two Studies Find Depression Widespread in Utah, by Russell Goldman (March 7, 2008)
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/Story?id=4403731&page=1
Utah leads the nation in rates of depression, by James Thalman, The Deseret Morning News (Nov. 29, 2007)
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695231614,00.html?pg=1
Deadly taboo: Youth suicide an epidemic that many in Utah prefer to ignore, by Lucinda Dillon Kinkead and Dennis Romboy
Deseret Morning News (Monday, April 24, 2006)
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,635201873,00.html
Reflections
http://www.provopulse.com/?q=node/1522
Unhappy In Utah. Study: 'Beehive State' Leads Nation in Anti-Depressant Prescriptions, by David Hancock, cbsnews.com (June 3, 2002)
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/06/03/eveningnews/main510918.shtml
Reflections
Why does Utah have the highest rate of depression?
http://www.cafemom.com/answers/297317/Why_does_Utah_have_the_highest_rate_of_depression
Reflections on the statistical data
http://www.exmormon.org/mormon/mormon521.htm
Related topics
Head and brain injury and depression: Relationship between concussions and depression in NFL players (June 16, 2007)
http://www.utahinjurylawblog.com/2007/06/relationship_between_concussio.html
This a volunteering research project at Argosy University which goal is to assist the research of Dr Cameron R. John from Argosy University -
Salt Lake City, Utah.
I had decided to research the role of the number of children in the family for the development of depression and to explore the cultural
factors. There are two alternatives hypotheses:
1. Since the number of children in the Utah traditional family values is usually big, it can be a factor in development of depression.
2. Since the number of children in Utah traditional family values is usually big, the possible decreasing of the numbers of children in the last
years and the increasing of divorced and single Moms may be a factor for higher percentage of depression.
Initial data:
1. The article of Russell Goldman from March 7, 2008 (external link)
Statistics: "The MHA [Mental Health America -L.N.] study evaluated information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each of
the 50 states and Washington, D.C., and factored in suicide statistics to determine each state's "depression status."
"According to MHA, some 10.14 percent of adults in Utah "experienced a depressive episode in the past year and 14.15 percent experienced
serious psychological distress. ... Individuals in Utah reported having on average 3.27 poor mental health days in the past 30 days."
What are the reasons?
1.1. A recent study by Mental Health America, the country's oldest independent mental health advocacy organization, ranked Utah the most
depressed state in the country.
1.2. The reason for Utah's mass depression, however, is unknown.
1.3. Neither study was broken down by gender, but nationally women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depressive disorders as men,
experts told ABC News.
1.4. Psychiatrists point to several factors that could contribute to Utah's high levels of depression: limited mental health resources, restricted
access to treatment as a result of cost, poor quality of resources and a varied list of other factors, including an underfunded educational
system and a culture deeply rooted in the Mormon faith.
1.5. When Express Scripts issued its first national survey of prescription drug use in 2002, it sparked a heated debate across Utah about
what, if any role, the church played in the state's high dependence on antidepressants such as Prozac and Zoloft."
1.6. Obedience, conformity and maintaining a sense of harmony" are unspoken but widely recognized behaviors, which all contribute to what
he calls "the Mother of Zion syndrome.
1.7. Wendy: Marriage and family are so important that there was a huge amount of pressure to make things work. I was supposed to try
harder, and buck up and that would make me happier and keep my husband from abusing me," she said.
1.8. Wendy: here are expectations from the community, but mostly from other women," ... "It doesn't come down from the church necessarily,
but it's passed from mother to daughter. My family was reluctant to see me taking the drugs, but since seeing me at my worst, they now
encourage me to take my meds."
1.9. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints, however, says the high number of prescriptions is a result of people receiving the
drugs they need in Utah more than in other places.
1.10. Brent Scharman, a psychologist and the assistant commissioner of LDS Family Services, a church network that provides counseling: I
don't think it's clear that there's a crisis in Utah,"... "You've got one camp that says there is more depression and another camp that says we
just have more consumers." Scharman said studies on organized religion and depression found that religious people were generally
happier than nonreligious people, and that held true for Mormons."
1.11. Brent Scharman: It always boils down to the issue of what influence the LDS lifestyle has on the depression phenomenon," ... "Non-
LDS and some LDS people say this is a kind of driven lifestyle and that we push too hard and smile too much. But studies show, and those
living it out see, that religion is good support. It creates a positive network and helps people get through crises and deal with long-term
problems.
1.12. Brent Scharman: 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," ... "I wouldn't say it is any worse here than in more diverse communities."
2. Utah leads the nation in rates of depression, by James Thalman, Deseret Morning News (external link)
1. Mark Payne, director of the Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health: "Depression in Utah is a legitimate and ongoing
concern across the state," he said, noting that $2.7 million in state funding approved by the Legislature is being used to determine the most
helpful services to people suffering from depression.
2. Mark Payne: one of the biggest factors in Utah's ranking is lack of access to mental health services, due in large part to a lack of or
minimal coverage for mental health services on most employer-provided insurance plans.
3. Mark Payne: said the study might be oversimplified because states have so many variables in population characteristics, location and
approaches to treating depression.
4. Other studies have shown that the West tends to have more depression and suicide because people are more isolated and thereby more
at risk for depression.
5. David Shern, president and CEO of Mental Health America: The lack of access to help is a key contributing factor in the rankings.
6. Other contributing factors in the rankings were a state's percentage of residents who say they can't afford health care, prevalence of
serious depression and suicide rate.
7. Mark Payne: ... the report does not conclude nor suggest that lack of care causes depression or suicide. But depression rates can be
reduced by improving insurance coverage and parity, making sure qualified professionals are available and educating the public about
depression, he said.
8. The study also notes that the depression status of states is likely to decline in general over the next decade because the number of
trained mental health professionals and federal funds to help train them are in dramatic decline.
3. Unhappy in Utah, by David Hancock (external link)
1. Utah leads the nation in prescriptions for anti-depressants, according to a recent study. "The fact that we're twice the national average with
something like anti-depressants begs some explanation," said Dr. Curt Canning, head of the Psychiatric Association of Utah.
2. Dr Curt Canning: ... one possible explanation is the state's dominant Mormon culture, which demands much of its people, especially
women.
3. Dr Curt Canning: "We have large family sizes. She is supposed to say 'yes' to the PTA job, to the extra church job, to taking food to the
neighbors because someone is ill, and smile about it."
4. Bobbie Coray battles anxiety. She runs Logan, Utah's Chamber of Commerce while balancing family and religious obligations. She had a
hard time relaxing. To ease the burden, she's taking the anti-depressant Zoloft. "The culture, I think, says it's OK. You know, do the best
you can, be cheerful and happy and if it doesn't work, then go to professional help."
5. Utah is known as the "beehive state" because of its residents' proud record of productivity. But some here fear the pressure to achieve
may be pushing people too far. And with the nation's ninth highest suicide rate, Utah is even getting the federal government's attention.
6. The U.S. Surgeon General's special assistant is tracking the problem — made even more urgent by the latest youth suicide statistics, that
found in 2000, 66 young people between the ages of 5 and 24 killed themselves in this sparsely populated state.
7. Utah's leading psychiatrists say there needs to be additional studies to solve this growing mental health mystery.
4. Reflections on the statistical data
See http://www.exmormon.org/mormon/mormon521.htm
5. Deadly taboo: Youth suicide an epidemic that many in Utah prefer to ignore, by Lucinda Dillon Kinkead and Dennis Romboy
Deseret Morning News, Published: Monday, April 24, 2006
See http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,635201873,00.html
Reflections
http://www.provopulse.com/?q=node/1522
6. Perfection Causing Depression? March 28th, 2008
See http://www.utahstories.com/happiness_paradox.htm
7. Utah ranks 21st for depression, by Lisa Rosetta, Salt Lake Tribune, Updated: 09/11/2009 02:27:28 PM MDT.
See http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_13309153
External links
Data and reports
Mental Health America
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/
Depression (http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/depression)
BRFSS Utah Depression Surveillance Report (September 2009)
http://www.health.utah.gov/opha/publications/brfss/Depression/Depression.html
Utah Depression Surveillance Report Executive Summary Key Findings (2005-2007)
http://health.utah.gov/opha/publications/brfss/Depression/ExecSum.pdf
Research projects
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR WOMEN DIAGNOSED WITH DEPRESSION IN RURAL UTAH COMMUNITIES: THE FEASIBILITY AND
EFFECTIVENESS OF A TECHNOLOGICALLY ASSI (Utah State University) (Jul 1, 2006 - Jun 30, 2010)
http://www.reeis.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/206930.html
Screening
ABCD State Resources
http://abcd.nashpforums.org/abcd-state/100
Utah Resources: Improving Quality
http://www.abcdresources.org/States/Utah/Improving_Quality/index.php
Websites with links
About depression in Utah
http://articles.directorym.com/About_Depression_Utah-r978125-Utah.html
Depression - Adults
http://intermountainhealthcare.org/health/symptom/Pages/Depression-Adults.aspx
Depression symptoms
http://www.lexapro.com/understand_condition/depression_symptoms.aspx
Postpartum depression - Adults
http://intermountainhealthcare.org/health/symptom/Pages/PostpartumDepression-Adults.aspx
Who can help you?
About depression in Utah
http://articles.directorym.com/About_Depression_Utah-r978125-Utah.html
Depression/Anxiety Acupuncturists in Utah (UT)
http://acupuncturists.healthprofs.com/cam/prof_results.php?state=UT&spec=10
Depression Support Groups in Salt Lake City, Utah (September 16, 2008)
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1020712/depression_support_groups_in_salt_lake_pg2_pg2.html?cat=72
Articles in newspapers in online:
Depression and Diabetes, by Valerie Lambert, LCSW (Wednesday, August 19, 2009)
http://tudiabetes.com/events/depression-and-diabetes-utah
Utah ranks 21st for depression, by Lisa Rosetta, Salt Lake Tribune (Updated: 09/11/2009 02:27:28 PM MDT)
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_13309153
Perfection Causing Depression? March 28th, 2008
http://www.utahstories.com/happiness_paradox.htm
Two Studies Find Depression Widespread in Utah, by Russell Goldman (March 7, 2008)
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/Story?id=4403731&page=1
Utah leads the nation in rates of depression, by James Thalman, The Deseret Morning News (Nov. 29, 2007)
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695231614,00.html?pg=1
Deadly taboo: Youth suicide an epidemic that many in Utah prefer to ignore, by Lucinda Dillon Kinkead and Dennis Romboy
Deseret Morning News (Monday, April 24, 2006)
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,635201873,00.html
Reflections
http://www.provopulse.com/?q=node/1522
Unhappy In Utah. Study: 'Beehive State' Leads Nation in Anti-Depressant Prescriptions, by David Hancock, cbsnews.com (June 3, 2002)
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/06/03/eveningnews/main510918.shtml
Reflections
Why does Utah have the highest rate of depression?
http://www.cafemom.com/answers/297317/Why_does_Utah_have_the_highest_rate_of_depression
Reflections on the statistical data
http://www.exmormon.org/mormon/mormon521.htm
Related topics
Head and brain injury and depression: Relationship between concussions and depression in NFL players (June 16, 2007)
http://www.utahinjurylawblog.com/2007/06/relationship_between_concussio.html
This a volunteering research project at Argosy University which goal is to assist the research of Dr Cameron R. John from Argosy University -
Salt Lake City, Utah.
I had decided to research the role of the number of children in the family for the development of depression and to explore the cultural
factors. There are two alternatives hypotheses:
1. Since the number of children in the Utah traditional family values is usually big, it can be a factor in development of depression.
2. Since the number of children in Utah traditional family values is usually big, the possible decreasing of the numbers of children in the last
years and the increasing of divorced and single Moms may be a factor for higher percentage of depression.
Initial data:
1. The article of Russell Goldman from March 7, 2008 (external link)
Statistics: "The MHA [Mental Health America -L.N.] study evaluated information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each of
the 50 states and Washington, D.C., and factored in suicide statistics to determine each state's "depression status."
"According to MHA, some 10.14 percent of adults in Utah "experienced a depressive episode in the past year and 14.15 percent experienced
serious psychological distress. ... Individuals in Utah reported having on average 3.27 poor mental health days in the past 30 days."
What are the reasons?
1.1. A recent study by Mental Health America, the country's oldest independent mental health advocacy organization, ranked Utah the most
depressed state in the country.
1.2. The reason for Utah's mass depression, however, is unknown.
1.3. Neither study was broken down by gender, but nationally women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depressive disorders as men,
experts told ABC News.
1.4. Psychiatrists point to several factors that could contribute to Utah's high levels of depression: limited mental health resources, restricted
access to treatment as a result of cost, poor quality of resources and a varied list of other factors, including an underfunded educational
system and a culture deeply rooted in the Mormon faith.
1.5. When Express Scripts issued its first national survey of prescription drug use in 2002, it sparked a heated debate across Utah about
what, if any role, the church played in the state's high dependence on antidepressants such as Prozac and Zoloft."
1.6. Obedience, conformity and maintaining a sense of harmony" are unspoken but widely recognized behaviors, which all contribute to what
he calls "the Mother of Zion syndrome.
1.7. Wendy: Marriage and family are so important that there was a huge amount of pressure to make things work. I was supposed to try
harder, and buck up and that would make me happier and keep my husband from abusing me," she said.
1.8. Wendy: here are expectations from the community, but mostly from other women," ... "It doesn't come down from the church necessarily,
but it's passed from mother to daughter. My family was reluctant to see me taking the drugs, but since seeing me at my worst, they now
encourage me to take my meds."
1.9. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints, however, says the high number of prescriptions is a result of people receiving the
drugs they need in Utah more than in other places.
1.10. Brent Scharman, a psychologist and the assistant commissioner of LDS Family Services, a church network that provides counseling: I
don't think it's clear that there's a crisis in Utah,"... "You've got one camp that says there is more depression and another camp that says we
just have more consumers." Scharman said studies on organized religion and depression found that religious people were generally
happier than nonreligious people, and that held true for Mormons."
1.11. Brent Scharman: It always boils down to the issue of what influence the LDS lifestyle has on the depression phenomenon," ... "Non-
LDS and some LDS people say this is a kind of driven lifestyle and that we push too hard and smile too much. But studies show, and those
living it out see, that religion is good support. It creates a positive network and helps people get through crises and deal with long-term
problems.
1.12. Brent Scharman: 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," ... "I wouldn't say it is any worse here than in more diverse communities."
2. Utah leads the nation in rates of depression, by James Thalman, Deseret Morning News (external link)
1. Mark Payne, director of the Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health: "Depression in Utah is a legitimate and ongoing
concern across the state," he said, noting that $2.7 million in state funding approved by the Legislature is being used to determine the most
helpful services to people suffering from depression.
2. Mark Payne: one of the biggest factors in Utah's ranking is lack of access to mental health services, due in large part to a lack of or
minimal coverage for mental health services on most employer-provided insurance plans.
3. Mark Payne: said the study might be oversimplified because states have so many variables in population characteristics, location and
approaches to treating depression.
4. Other studies have shown that the West tends to have more depression and suicide because people are more isolated and thereby more
at risk for depression.
5. David Shern, president and CEO of Mental Health America: The lack of access to help is a key contributing factor in the rankings.
6. Other contributing factors in the rankings were a state's percentage of residents who say they can't afford health care, prevalence of
serious depression and suicide rate.
7. Mark Payne: ... the report does not conclude nor suggest that lack of care causes depression or suicide. But depression rates can be
reduced by improving insurance coverage and parity, making sure qualified professionals are available and educating the public about
depression, he said.
8. The study also notes that the depression status of states is likely to decline in general over the next decade because the number of
trained mental health professionals and federal funds to help train them are in dramatic decline.
3. Unhappy in Utah, by David Hancock (external link)
1. Utah leads the nation in prescriptions for anti-depressants, according to a recent study. "The fact that we're twice the national average with
something like anti-depressants begs some explanation," said Dr. Curt Canning, head of the Psychiatric Association of Utah.
2. Dr Curt Canning: ... one possible explanation is the state's dominant Mormon culture, which demands much of its people, especially
women.
3. Dr Curt Canning: "We have large family sizes. She is supposed to say 'yes' to the PTA job, to the extra church job, to taking food to the
neighbors because someone is ill, and smile about it."
4. Bobbie Coray battles anxiety. She runs Logan, Utah's Chamber of Commerce while balancing family and religious obligations. She had a
hard time relaxing. To ease the burden, she's taking the anti-depressant Zoloft. "The culture, I think, says it's OK. You know, do the best
you can, be cheerful and happy and if it doesn't work, then go to professional help."
5. Utah is known as the "beehive state" because of its residents' proud record of productivity. But some here fear the pressure to achieve
may be pushing people too far. And with the nation's ninth highest suicide rate, Utah is even getting the federal government's attention.
6. The U.S. Surgeon General's special assistant is tracking the problem — made even more urgent by the latest youth suicide statistics, that
found in 2000, 66 young people between the ages of 5 and 24 killed themselves in this sparsely populated state.
7. Utah's leading psychiatrists say there needs to be additional studies to solve this growing mental health mystery.
4. Reflections on the statistical data
See http://www.exmormon.org/mormon/mormon521.htm
5. Deadly taboo: Youth suicide an epidemic that many in Utah prefer to ignore, by Lucinda Dillon Kinkead and Dennis Romboy
Deseret Morning News, Published: Monday, April 24, 2006
See http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,635201873,00.html
Reflections
http://www.provopulse.com/?q=node/1522
6. Perfection Causing Depression? March 28th, 2008
See http://www.utahstories.com/happiness_paradox.htm
7. Utah ranks 21st for depression, by Lisa Rosetta, Salt Lake Tribune, Updated: 09/11/2009 02:27:28 PM MDT.
See http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_13309153
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