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Too Much Mormon Knowledge = Depression?

Is it possible to gain too much knowledge too fast or not at the right time? I have been reading a few accounts of NDE where some of the people came back depressed because they saw the earth they now live in and how much better it was 'over there'. Some said their depression was from choosing to come back rather than staying. Then I also looked at some of the Brethren who after gaining vast knowledge of the Lord's Kingdom became disenchanted with their own life or in some cases left. WHat is your view? Note, this is not about NDE, it was used only as an example of gaining exquisite knowledge unexpectedly. When you think about it, things sen or learnt in the temple can become a sort of 'shock' to the unprepared, or even the prepared for that matter.

Depression Knowledge Mormon Too

I can see where that would be a problem in some cases -- especially for people who had no prior experience with "religious" knowledge, in the case of NDE particularly. I've also seen where the teacher in a temple preparation class was very ineffective, and the "students" completely lost. How can they attend the temple after that experience and have a clue what to expect? Particularly when most people will not study it for themselves.

IMO
Roz

Too Much Mormon Knowledge = Depression? Studies Doctrine Mormon

I think that genuine spirituality (which includes spiritual knowledge) makes us more inclined tolove, to forgive, to help others. I canot see how it can make things more difficult, more frustrating in terms of the feeling.

However, I can understand how perhaps when we mose the feeling but still have the knowledge we can be open to the frustration.

But I imagined the question to be of knowledge in a more general sense. I see people - perhaps we all do it - who block out certain things so that they do not have to deal with it. One example of this is blocking out the news and world events, etc. because when we realise how much evil there is in the world it can depress us.

But depression cannot forever be avoided by running away. The question we should ask perhaps is how can we become strong enough to deal with knowledge? When all is said and done, truth is perhaps the hardest thing. Joseph Smith on a number of occasions said that not even the Brethren would have believed him had he told them all he knew.

Truth is never popular, especially among those who think they know it without ever having studied, exercised faith and original thought. And those who gain it must often suffer in silence when they are not as spiritual as they should be, and that can be hard...

All in my opinion of course...

Dubhdara.

Depression Knowledge Mormon Too

I think that this is one of the main reasons that we learn "line upon line, precept on precept". Even with that gradual growth, it is entirely possible to feel overwhelmed by what we know, especially concerning prophecy or the eternities. I know some people who won't even start to discuss the transition of death, and what life is/must be like in the spirit world, because it brings on such depression.

One of the biggest possible problems I see is that someone, like myself, who is already prone to depression, may find that depression getting worse because of the knowledge of how life can be, and how we should be acting.

Probably, though, such depression comes from misunderstanding the gospel principles. For example, Carol Lynn Pearson, a prominent LDS poetess, has written about how her ex-husband (?) committed suicide in his depression about not being able to overcome his homosexuality. The real principles are that the atonement is available to everyone to overcome everything.

But then, when we are in depression, even knowing such things doesn't help, they may just discourage us more, from the feeling that we can't even get THAT right.

Depression Knowledge Mormon Too

This is a deep subject. I certainly agree with Nighthawk's comments - all of them.

I might start another thread...

Dubhdara.

Too Much Mormon Knowledge = Depression?

I have often thought about what it would be like to see the Savior on this side of the veil. I believe some do have this experience. It was suggested as a possiblity in a preparation meeting as a Temple worker. Basically, we were told if we stepped up our level of committment we could expect some pretty powerful experiences in the Temple. Without going into too much detail, I can tell you we were being told it was possible under certain circumstances that the Savior would show himself to us if we were living that worthily. Of course, we were also reminded that if he did, it would be only because he also knew we wouldn't talk about it with others because of how sacred such an experience would be.

Anyway, that really got me thinking at the time. I decided I wasn't ready for this experience. We were also assured it would only happen to those who were both worthy and ready. Now, you might on the surface say you are definately ready, but I know I am not. How does this fit this thread? Well, here is how I think it fits. I think if I were to see the Savior face to face, it would, at this point in my life not be so much a blessing as perhaps a cause for depression. Why? Because I think then I would feel so unworthhy of him. All the time I spend in recreational pleasure or doing anything that didn't specifically further the gospel, I would probably view it as a waste of time. Why the difference if I see him than just how I am now? Well, because then there is no room for nor need of faith. Once he shows himself to you like he did the brother of Jared, you truly know he exists the same way I know my son exists. No faith required at all. If no faith is required, how to I justify any amount of sin in my life. I think I would just feel like a complete failure all the time. This could definately lead to depression.

I think this might explain to some extent why as JB said

They had such a great knowledge of the Savior and the gospel that they had a very difficult time living with their imperfections.

Too Mormon Knowledge = Depression

I think all the answers here are right on the money. I believe the fact that we can view certain aspects of how knowledge can be taken and processed in various forms has to do a lot with our experiences up to the knowledge that we receive. Hence I feel to overcome the effects of depression to any degree one must be prepared since the Lord gave the promise that if we are prepared we shall not fear. I know for one, if I am not living to my full potential and I hear of something glorious I do get disappointed about my choices - staying there is the part that must be watched - since if you dwell on how 'bad' you are doing you will not be able to see or feel the Light.

Too Mormon Knowledge = Depression Mormon Doctrine Studies

If too much knowledge results in depression, I think that may explain a big problem in the church today, especially among women. The state of Utah leads the nation in anti depressant medications. You would think that a society that has a majority of their population as members of the church would be a society with the least amount of depression. But the opposite is true. Too many of us expect too much of ourselves and recognize our shortcomings and become depressed. A better understanding of the atonement would solve this problem.