Utah Leads The Nation (Again) In Mental Illness

[Doctor Steuss]

I can't help wondering to what extent genetics is at play here.

Doing some amateur and quick Google-fu, it appears that most of those states have somewhat low populations, and a very small percentage of people born there that leave to other states. Taking Utah, only about 27% of the people who leave the state are people who were born there. Toss in things like higher birthrates, insular community marriage standards, etc., and you start to see a potential pattern for concentration of genetic factors and a decrease in variation. I'm was born in Utah, and I imagine I'm not alone in being told that I "look Mormon." That genetic bottleneck is a heckuva thing.

I could probably go to somewhere in Southern Utah tomorrow, pick a random person, and there'd be a high likelihood we had the same polygamous great-great-great-great grandfather.

There was one state (California) that threw a wrench in the gears of the above musing/theory (as far as places where people born there don't generally leave), but with CA, you have a much higher population, and not the same insular community where people are conditioned that they are only allowed to marry within that community that you have with Mormonism.

Not saying religion can't/doesn't contribute in some way. I tried to end my life after reading "Miracle of Forgiveness." That said, the preponderance of bipolar disorder and depression in my family would likely be there regardless of religious prevalence.

[MG 2.0]

MG, I couldn't agree more. More information is better. Folks can then determine their own thinking based on more information, not less. Including whether or not MG constantly lies, misuses quotes/sources, trolls or has noble intentions here. (Sorry, just had to throw these in there.) Here are just a few of the many threads exposing our MG 2.0. Enjoy:

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1156&hilit=troll

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1311&hilit=troll

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=157138&hilit=troll

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=157279&hilit=troll

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=159560&hilit=troll

This is fun.

Yes, I know I've been called a troll. That would be a common tactic for an antagonist to use against their opponent. I've actually made it quite clear that I know for a fact that there are a very few people on this board that I would designate as trolls.

Most are not.

It's part of the deal when you're in an online forum such as this where almost anything goes. Of course you're going to end up with people calling other people trolls. It comes with the territory.

Especially when one is in the extreme minority and really doesn't have any defensive posture to speak of or rely on besides one's own testimony and self support. Fortunately, I know who I am and what I am about. The barbs of 'troll' roll off me like water off of a ducks' feathers/back.

You went to a bit of work to compile the list, Mr. Wang. I congratulate you for you efforts.

Your intent was to smear and vilify. Rather transparent, but not admirable.

Regards,
MG

[MG 2.0]

I can't help wondering to what extent genetics is at play here.

Doing some amateur and quick Google-fu, it appears that most of those states have somewhat low populations, and a very small percentage of people born there that leave to other states. Taking Utah, only about 27% of the people who leave the state are people who were born there. Toss in things like higher birthrates, insular community marriage standards, etc., and you start to see a potential pattern for concentration of genetic factors and a decrease in variation. I'm was born in Utah, and I imagine I'm not alone in being told that I "look Mormon." That genetic bottleneck is a heckuva thing.

I could probably go to somewhere in Southern Utah tomorrow, pick a random person, and there'd be a high likelihood we had the same polygamous great-great-great-great grandfather.

There was one state (California) that threw a wrench in the gears of the above musing/theory (as far as places where people born there don't generally leave), but with CA, you have a much higher population, and not the same insular community where people are conditioned that they are only allowed to marry within that community that you have with Mormonism.

Not saying religion can't/doesn't contribute in some way. I tried to end my life after reading "Miracle of Forgiveness." That said, the preponderance of bipolar disorder and depression in my family would likely be there regardless of religious prevalence.

I don't know if you live in Utah, but this state has become much more diverse in its genetic diversity and spread. Except maybe in Lehi where there are so many old timers. But they will be gone in the not too far distant future.

Lots of moving around nowadays.

I do think you're right, there are multiple factors. What is fortunate for Utah's future, however, is that the state is on top of things to meet the present problems and the potential problems coming down the pike. I believe we have good and smart people in state government. If there is a problem, they will take care of it...including mental health.

And the church has been coming along also. Kudos to them.

Utah is actually a pretty great place!

Regards,
MG

[Doctor Steuss]

I believe we have good and smart people in state government.

Hopefully the people spearheading mental health aren't as averse to fact-based scientific research as the Govenor and state legislature are.

[MG 2.0]

I believe we have good and smart people in state government.

Hopefully the people spearheading mental health aren't as averse to fact-based scientific research as the Govenor and state legislature are.

Inquiry:

Hopefully the people spearheading mental health aren't as averse to fact-based scientific research as the Governor and state legislature are. This was a statement made by a critic of the way mental health might be treated as a problem in Utah. Is what he is saying verifiably accurate or is there another side to the story that says the Governor and state legislature are supportive of fact based mental health in the state of Utah?

The statement that Utah's Governor and state legislature are "averse to fact-based scientific research" in the context of mental health policy is not fully supported by the evidence. In fact, there is considerable documentation showing that both the Governor and the legislature have taken multiple actions in recent years to address mental health issues using evidence-based approaches and scientific research.

Evidence of Support for Fact-Based Mental Health Policy
Recent Legislative Actions

The Utah legislature has passed several bills aimed at improving mental health services, such as S.B. 48 (Behavioral Health Amendments), which expands the scope of practice for mental health therapists and creates new mental health initiatives.

The 2025 session included amendments to better coordinate criminal justice and mental health responses, require annual training for designated examiners, and establish a Crisis Response Task Force.

Other recent legislation has focused on expanding community-based mental health initiatives, integrating mental health with primary care, and increasing funding for telehealth and crisis response services.

Governor’s Actions

The Governor has signed multiple mental health bills into law, including legislation to expand crisis centers, mobile outreach teams, and telemedicine access for mental health services.

There have been public statements and resolutions, such as the 2017 declaration of mental health as a public health crisis in higher education, urging long-term, data-driven solutions.

Commitment to Evidence-Based Practices

Many of the programs and funding priorities, such as Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams and mobile crisis outreach, are based on validated models with measurable outcomes.

The state has also prioritized parity in mental health coverage and invested in preventive and wraparound services, which are recognized as best practices in the field.

Criticism and Context
While there is ongoing debate about the adequacy and direction of specific policies—such as concerns over resource allocation, the effectiveness of certain crisis response models, or the recent fluoridation ban in public water (which is a separate public health issue)—the overall legislative and executive record demonstrates a willingness to use scientific research and evidence-based practices in mental health policy.

You're of course entitled to your own opinion.

Regards,
MG

[Doctor Steuss]

If I want to have a conversation with A.I., I will do it myself.

I find it incredibly rude for me to spend thousands of hours every year reading published medical research, paying hundreds of dollars, and developing relationships with authors to obtain full copies of their studies and the raw data, formulating my own opinions and thoughts, and then to have that met with an A.I. prompt.

My criticism of the Govenor and State Legislature regarding their selective disregard of basic medical and health science and research is wholly valid. If you (not A.I., *you*) want to discuss why that is, the views and legislation, the relevant published studies and meta-analysis, then I am happy to do so.

Otherwise, I'm not going to spend my time and energy sharing my hard-earned opinions and knowledge that I've made a lot of financial, and time sacrifices to obtain, just for you to have an easily manipulated free A.I. model spit out something that gives you warm fuzzies.

[Everybody Wang Chung]

Several interesting examples of MG’s missionary work:

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=664&p=16131#p16131

[Everybody Wang Chung]

I believe we have good and smart people in state government. If there is a problem, they will take care of it...including mental health.
Regards,
MG

Yes, they’ve certainly tackled the problem head on In 1983, Utah led the nation in mental illness. In 2025, Utah leads the nation in mental illness.

Now that’s what I call progress. I don’t know about you, but I’m so glad the church and the state government are taking care of the problem.

[Marcus]

If I want to have a conversation with A.I., I will do it myself.

I find it incredibly rude for me to spend thousands of hours every year reading published medical research, paying hundreds of dollars, and developing relationships with authors to obtain full copies of their studies and the raw data, formulating my own opinions and thoughts, and then to have that met with an A.I. prompt.

My criticism of the Govenor and State Legislature regarding their selective disregard of basic medical and health science and research is wholly valid. If you (not A.I., *you*) want to discuss why that is, the views and legislation, the relevant published studies and meta-analysis, then I am happy to do so.

Otherwise, I'm not going to spend my time and energy sharing my hard-earned opinions and knowledge that I've made a lot of financial, and time sacrifices to obtain, just for you to have an easily manipulated free A.I. model spit out something that gives you warm fuzzies.

Absolutely agree. Absolutely. The imposition of lazy A.I. responses on thread after thread after thread is just obnoxious. Add in that the A.I. responses are edited, the inquiry is not always given, AND that these A.I. responses are frequently not accurate at all, and it's just a waste of time to even read them. Why post nonsense? It's disrespectful in the extreme.

[Philo Sofee]

MG,

Agreed. After decades of leading the nation in mental illness, I'm glad they are finally starting to look for solutions to the problem . It's unfortunate but according to Perplexity A.I., one of the problems is the church.

Here's a prediction for you -- Utah will always lead or be close to the top in mental illness as long as the church holds significant influence in Utah.

This also shows that with their priesthood in the highest Mormon density in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming, Colorado, and other areas in the West, it does not give any kind of advantage to mental health - which, obviously, would mean far less spirituality among them. Mental health and spirituality are obviously intertwined. If you can't help the one end, the other end is equally as vulnerable and unable to make much of a difference.