We have speculated that Meri, Janelle and/or Hunter were/are/may be depressed? But did you know that a 2001 study found that antidepressants are prescribed in Utah nearly twice as frequently as they are, on average, in the rest of the U.S.?
The speculation has been that Utah’s predominantly Mormon religion and culture places unique pressures on women (who suffer from depression twice as frequently as men) to publicly present “a happy face, whatever may be happening privately”, forcing them into depression and onto antidepressants. To be fair, there may be many other reasons: a smaller gene pool with a high genetic predisposition for depression, greater willingness and/or awareness to seek care for the same or less severe symptoms, a higher willingness of Utah doctors to prescribe antidepressants, etc. I just think it is interesting.
I found conflicting statistics on suicide that say Utah has between the 7th to the 11th highest suicide rate (per capita) in the U.S., depending upon the year you are looking at. For the past four decades now, Utah has ranked in the top ten for numbers of suicides in the nation. This is interesting because usually religions persons have a lower suicide rate and Utah is a highly religious state, being 70% Mormon and 42% being actively practicing LDS. What was most revealing was that the rate of suicide in Utah for females between the ages of 15-44 is four times the national average.
I wonder why this could be? Mormonism, low income, high unemployment, large family size, marriage at a young age, a high incidence of drinking milk? We must be careful not to jump to conclusions because the causes may be complex and inter-connected or not immediately visible. But it sure looks suspicious to me.
I cannot imagine that suppressing your natural emotions is healthy, no matter what is said about making yourself a better person through the plural marriage lifestyle. Our emotions and nature are endowed by the Creator, and are also an internal “warning system”. I think that trying to train your warning system out of yourself as is required in the polygamous lifestyle creates tremendous internal pressures. Depression, mental illness and heaven knows what all are predictable results.
Written by TERRASOLA
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Of course, no one could get in all the compounds to find out, but a study on polygamist women alone would be very interesting.
ReplyDeleteGood point. I was a Drug Rep covering Utah. Many were of the opinion that there is a lot of pressure on girls/women to look good so they can marry "well".
DeleteI noticed while staying there that the gyms were packed and the majority of the young girls/women were very slim and attractive.
Not a bad things, as long as body image is not causing stress and depression. I'm thin and blonde so I understand in a way. This is not a criticism of the LDS faith, just an observation.
Having said that look at LA! Lots of focus on looks there!
I'm curious if there would be a difference between religious and non religious polygamy on how a polygamous lifestyle affects women. Religion tends to make people feel guilty if they are not upholding the religious values that they were taught when they were young.
ReplyDeleteIf I remember correctly, Merri was brought up in the polygamous lifestyle as was Christine because of their families' religious beliefs. So, it was expected of Merri and Christine to accept other wives but from what I see on the show, Merri seems down in the spirit. There's not much of a spark in her eyes for living life to the fullest. Janelle on the other hand, was not raised in this lifestyle, but she seems more content in this lifestyle than Merri does.
I have some more thoughts but would like to know what others' thought are.
However, Christine still had the same Mormon principles in her. Sadly, I think Janelle saw Kody as a catch, and her being a breadwinner, gives her much self-satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteWhen you are taught, as a woman, your entire life that the only way to get to heaven is to lead this lifestyle, only a very few are going to be happy. Then finding out later you are following a false prophet, (maybe when it's too late), is even worse.
ReplyDeleteHow could these women not be depressed? The number one word is jealousy. I don't have time in my day to be jealous over my husband, I have a friend that does- (he's a cheater) and she's miserable.
It would make for a great study.
These pictures are heart wrenching.
ReplyDeleteHunter's depression and suicidal feelings were extremely painful to watch. I can't begin to imagine the pain and concern that Janelle and her children were going through with Hunter. I hope that time brought happiness and positive change for their little family within a big family.
Many times the wives and their raw emotions made the show difficult to watch but the children's sadness had to be the most agonizing moments of the season.
Such good points, Yoyo. How could anyone begin to rationalize!
Rayne and Sickofthebrown's, you bring up a great points , too!
It would be great to have that kind of research and stats and yes it is too bad the compounds would not allow such research. It really brings respect for the men, women, girls, boys and families that have escaped FLDS and shared their experiences.
Thank's to all for links and great comments. An interesting read.
And especially thank you, TerraSola, for all the great articles you contribute!
"Our emotions and nature are endowed by the Creator, and are also an internal “warning system”. I think that trying to train your warning system out of yourself as is required in the polygamous lifestyle creates tremendous internal pressures."
ReplyDeleteProudfoundly said, Terrasola. You and Friend of Flora always can print the ideas I have and can't put into words!
Ranked #7-11 is sad.
Ranked 4th in the nation for 18-44 women is astounding. I just looked it up, and Utah is 34th in population - 2,350,000; a far cry from #1 CA, with 35,000,000. (as per 2002)
One would think CA would have much more suicides- drugs, stress over being a "Star" etc,
Saem with NY- A state that is mostly a religious state, and "quiet" state if you will, really should be investigated.
I have and prbably am suffering from depression right now. Why? Probably from the stress of an abusive reltionship I am still getting over, or should say working through.
They say depression is anger turned inward.
When you let yourself get in these situations, you get mad at yourself as well as the situation. ABUSE causes depdression (my chairside dr talk)
It seems that some of these young girls think death would be better than life-think what hell they must be in! They are depressed b.c they have no choice, their church tells them. Many have their spouse chosen for them. Many hate their sister wives. All are enraged with jealousy, and are told, this ill make them a better person, to work through it? Hey, even Meri said that.
I believe it's the polygamy. What else could it be?
Friend of Flora- I know your knowledgeable on this subject, what do you think?
Seriously, does anyone know a psychiatrist? I know a podiatrist, but I guess that won't help. heeee
ReplyDeleteI am not trying to be one sided, but it appears that it HAS to have something to do with the religion. And you wonder, how many died and were not told- with all the secret records, excuse me, magic sacred temple records they keep, many probably died, sadly, and no one knew but their cult.
Suicide rates in women leaving the polygamous groups are incredibly high.
ReplyDeleteOh, I think this is a direct link, albeit a very sad one.
ReplyDeleteI mean, apples are apples, what else could it be?
How one earth did you think of looking this up?
GREAT JOB, Terrasola!
Mental illness might play a big factor from the generational intermarriage of close relatives, couldn't it?
ReplyDeleteTo me, I've see people depressed, refuse treatment, and become involved with drugs, alcohol, which fuels depression and self pity like a match. Just a thought.
Very well written and thought out, Terrasola. Thanks!
Sad thing, why is nothing being done?
I found out about the high rate of depression among LDS women when I got interested in "Big Love" and googled Mormonism. It made me so sad. Even worse, LDS officials commissioned studies to try to refute these statistics instead of trying to solve the problem.
ReplyDeleteI always thought that a person's spiritual beliefs would bring increased happiness in good times, help a person through the bad times, and bring peace. If they don't is there something wrong with you ... or with the beliefs (apologies to those who are happy within the LDS).
Boy, after reading the top post, it's very understandable why they are so depressed and suicidal. The flip side, bitter and evil to the others. Can't win either way. Very nice reading, smart and articulate.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, after reading today's news, and learning on here this is a multi-generational issue, no matter how you dress it, it's amazing any women could live the lifestyle and not be depressed. Everyone says Janelle is happy. Is she? Or is she a depression eater. Far to pretty and nice to be that unhealthy. To top it off, she has to look at 3 others thinner. It would make me want to kill myself, for real. You can only take so much.
ReplyDeleteThey need a team of PHD Psych and Emotional Disorder Dr.'s to ever get them out of this deadly cycle.
I'm with Mustang Sally, after today, how could ANY of them not be?
ReplyDeleteLeave them alone,This is America and they are a united family taking care of thier kids and each other. If you want to attack something try abortion, gay marriage, gangs, pediafile murderers that escape the death penilty, drug dealers who target kids,pornographers,devil worshipers, Nazis. The Brown's are good people who deserve religious freedom! I don't understand why they bother all of you perfect people so much!
ReplyDeleteI THINK THESE PEOPLE ARE HAPPY AND THERE KIDS SEEM TO BE HAPPY AND WELL TAKEN CARE OF. LEAVE THESE PEOPLE ALONE THE WAY THEY CHOOSE TO LIVE IS THERE CHOICE. THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER ISSUES IN THE WORLD TODAY THAT COULD REALLY USE THE ATTENTION. IM NOT A FAN OF THE LIFE STYLE AND IT WOULD NOT BE MY PERSONAL CHOICE BUT IF THIS IS HOW THESE PEOPLE HAVE CHOSEN TO LIVE I SAY LEAVE THEM ALONE. ITS REALLY NOT EVEN OUR BUSINESS!!!!!!!!
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