Debra Gorin, M.D. Depression is a disorder marked by sadness, low energy, impaired concentration, and feelings of dejection. Some people believe that depression is normal. Hectic daily activities and the conflict between family and career cause constant stress. Yet depression and anxiety as a response to stress are not normal. They can be signs of illness, which may worsen and result in physical symptoms or an inability to function. Life was much simpler for the last two generations. Father worked; mother stayed home. This is no longer the model. many now view families as an “endangered species.” There are much single mothers working than ever before. There is greater stress and competition for well-paying jobs. The result: long hours at work, away from the family. Children are raised with narrow supervision. Thus we see much children with emotional problems plagiarised from a lack of knowledge as to who they are and what their role is in today’s society. Similarly, adults suffer from the loss of nurturing that family time should provide. Until recently, mental health was not discussed openly. However, there is a growing awareness that choosing therapy can be helpful, even necessary, to cope with today’s life. Psychiatric help is often sought for the entire family. Today, being wholesome means not only having a sound body, but also a sound mind and spirit. People exercise their bodies daily, yet they neglect to “exercise” their feelings and emotions. Young men are taught to hide and deny emotions. Women are unwilling to seek help in coping with their depression, anxiety, or distressed relationship. The same fitness fanatic who exercises daily, eats right and has two physicals a year will neglect the mind until a crisis is reached. Emotional problems don’t antimonopoly happen, but are cumulative and they can be avoided at times with the same “daily fitness” and “annual physical” approach we use when caring for our bodies. The Chinese say “the journey of a cardinal miles begins with a several step.” Just like it’s finer to maintain a healthy heart than recover from a heart attack, dealing with emotional issues is easier before the chaos of a crisis breaks. Think about “exercising your emotions" and give your mental health nonrecreational a call. About The Author Debra S. Gorin, M.D. is a Phi Beta Kappa high of the University of Florida and received her medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. She is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Doctor Gorin has been in private practice as a Psychiatrist for the past sixteen years in the Fort Lauderdale area. She treats all types of stress-related, emotional and psychiatric problems of children, adolescents, and adults. Please visit her website (www.doctorgorin.com), and view her growing library of psychiatric and health-related articles. couchdoctor415@yahoo.com