So the suicide rate in the Andean plateau region of Peru, or the regions of Tibet should be astronomical. I've got a better theory. A cultural misconception that living the church, not necessarily the gospel, should make one immune to sorrow, disappointment, or set backs. What people need are reality based testimonies and not check off lists and cultural misconceptions.
So is the suicide rate higher among Mormons, Non-Mormons, ex-Mormons, Inactive Mormons, etc? I would like to see the breakdown of the demographics on this to see who is "opting out" so much.
I grew up in one of the highest-elevation towns in Utah. I am not aware of ANY suicides in that valley, in 25 years. My guess is that per-capita suicides are higher in the cities. Those tend to be at comparatively lower elevations.
If anything, it's the inversion. I moved here from Denver back in June 2001. During the winter, particularly Jan / Feb of the following year, the inversion was driving me crazy. I think it really affects the already mentally unstable. The weather here is like a bad Twilight Zone movie. Long weeks of haze and stagnant, no-changing bitter cold with not snow in the winter, long weeks of no rain in the sweltering summer. (No, Denver and SLC weather have nothing in common.) Utah Valley weather is a nightmare.
So the suicide rate in the Andean plateau region of Peru, or the regions of Tibet should be astronomical.
ReplyDeleteI've got a better theory. A cultural misconception that living the church, not necessarily the gospel, should make one immune to sorrow, disappointment, or set backs. What people need are reality based testimonies and not check off lists and cultural misconceptions.
I completely agree.
DeleteSo is the suicide rate higher among Mormons, Non-Mormons, ex-Mormons, Inactive Mormons, etc? I would like to see the breakdown of the demographics on this to see who is "opting out" so much.
DeleteAntidepressants possibly a contributing factor. Commonly known as suicide pills in the industry. Utah consumption rates per capita are off the charts.
DeleteI grew up in one of the highest-elevation towns in Utah. I am not aware of ANY suicides in that valley, in 25 years.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that per-capita suicides are higher in the cities. Those tend to be at comparatively lower elevations.
I agree with Art Thomas. Many LDS are caught up with looking like a perfect mormon..... instead of living the gospel
ReplyDeleteIf anything, it's the inversion. I moved here from Denver back in June 2001. During the winter, particularly Jan / Feb of the following year, the inversion was driving me crazy. I think it really affects the already mentally unstable. The weather here is like a bad Twilight Zone movie. Long weeks of haze and stagnant, no-changing bitter cold with not snow in the winter, long weeks of no rain in the sweltering summer. (No, Denver and SLC weather have nothing in common.) Utah Valley weather is a nightmare.
ReplyDelete