forbidding. Life is a struggle. Nothing comes easily. We lose confidence in our ability to do things, and we may lose confidence in ourselves.

But as we get to know ourselves better, we realise that those days pass, and on other days we feel optimistic and the world seems to run along more smoothly.

Mood changes are quite normal and can stem from coping with the daily problems and worries of life. They can also be related to physical factors.

For example, any physical illness, under certain circumstances, could cause changes in mood. We can learn to recognise certain worries or changes that can bring on bouts of depression. But sometimes they occur for no apparent reason.

WHEN A PROBLEM? When mood changes become so extreme that they can't be shaken off, then what otherwise could be a simple case of the blues can become a problem. Some people have more pronounced mood changes and a depression may become so deep that you just can't snap yourself out of it. People can suffer to the point where they are so preoccupied with their own feelings that they can no longer look at the world objectively. They may feel hopeless and worthless and even unwilling or unable to ask for help. The thought of suicide may enter their minds, although only a few do anything about it. This is a serious state of depression that requires outside help.

MANY CAUSES Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders and can affect people of all ages. Depression in adolescents, for example, can be caused by the pressures of growing up in a fast-paced and changing society. For young people, facing the search for a career of job in hard economic times can be frightening.

Depression is also common in older people. As a person gets older, health declines. The elderly person may feel a loss of independence because his or her work value in society is reduced. The feeling of social isolation from family and younger people can also cause depression. It is important, therefore, that older people be included in family life and be encouraged to get involved in some kind of useful and productive activity, if possible.

SIGNS OF DEPRESSION A common sign of depression is a change in everyday normal spirits and approach to life. Such a change can be fairly sudden and easy to recognise but sometimes it's so gradual one should ask: "What was I like (or what was my friend like?) six months ago? One year ago?'' LOOK FOR THESE CHANGES IN HABITS OR INTERESTS: - inability to make decisions - sleeplessness, such as not being able to fall asleep at night or early morning wakening and restlessness - anxiety, especially in the first half of the day - loss of interest in things that used to be interesting, including loss of appetite and lack of interest in sex - physical upsets such as constipation - extreme preoccupation with the past, with guilt about failures or inadequacies - gloomy, pessimistic mood - sadness and crying spells ATTITUDE There is no question that the life-style and habits we acquire have an impact on our mental health. We all have frustrations in life and problems we can't do anything about. But worrying can become a habit that's hard to break. We all know people who have a gloomy pessimistic outlook on everything.

"Expect the worst and hope for the best'' seems to be their motto. Sometimes, though, it seems as if pessimistic people spend so much time expecting the worst that they are almost disappointed if things work out for the best.

HOW TO COPE Try to face problems and deal with them. Pushing them to one side can build up an emotional burden that can become very difficult to bear. Also recognise that, in certain circumstances, feeling depressed is normal and has to be worked through. On the death of a loved one, for instance, it is common for the bereaved person to have feelings of depression which are often quite severe. Such feelings at a time like this are part of the mourning process and should not be denied.

People who set a heavy pace in their lives need to learn to relax. Our systems can't keep up with steady pressure indefinitely without problems. There is much that can be done to cope with depression. Being aware of changes in mood, identifying problems and worries whenever possible and attempting to do something about them are all steps that can be taken to try and combat depression. Other people can often give a lot of support and encouragement to make problems seem easier.

There are services available when help is needed. But there are many things we can do to help ourselves and others cope with problems. WHAT TO DO If there is evidence of a depression being deeper and lasting longer than a normal mood fluctuation it should not be ignored. Early intervention usually means more rapid recovery. Efforts should be made by family or close friends to talk to the depressed person and express interest and concern. In a deep depression family and friends who are trying to help could become frustrated because the depressed person is often not able to respond to their appeals.

WHO TO SEE The first line of defence is family and close friends, who may be able to help through sympathetic understanding. If this kind of help is unsuccessful, a family physician should be consulted. The family physician can often treat mild depression or may make a referral to a psychiatrist or the Psychiatric Out-Patient Clinic. Clinical psychologists and counselling services are also available and can be of valuable assistance. Religious counsellors, or ministers may be able to give guidance as well. -- Health Dept.