But gray happens. A lot of people feel blue this time of year. The blues are a normal part of living, unfortunately, even for the most optimistic and cheerful among us. Some people, however, may have a more serious problem. You need to monitor yourself and your friends if signs of deep depression are noticed.
Clinical depression can lead to a breakdown in mental functioning and even suicide.
You need to be aware of its symptoms, such as feelings of despair, helplessness, or worthlessness. If you experience them, and lose your appetite, have difficulty sleeping, seem paralyzed and unable to do your normal work, or have trouble even getting dressed and groomed, contact a doctor immediately. Go to Health Services. Depression can often be helped fairly quickly, by competent intervention. Below is his recent reminiscence of his father which first appeared in the Express News and was then republished in the Nov. 20 issue of The Texas Observer.