For the most part, I've always been even keeled. I've had two previous bouts with depression but there were very definite circumstances causing it. However, this summer I've had 3 episodes, which relate to my hormones changing/waning. Yup, I'm pre-menopausal and it's nasty. I never knew when my cycle was coming or going. As a result, I thought PMS, post-partum depression, etc. were all bunk. I know better after this summer. They are real and due to real chemical imbalances in the brain.

Many people I know say, here in the U.S., we just aren't as happy as we used to be. Personally, I think we don't know how to have fun any more. We are too pressured with debt, job insecurities, pressures to be picture perfect, smart, successful, et al we can't think about what we truly value in life. We worry about minutia. We can't be just regular people. We don't even have enough time to think about ensuring the toilet tissue supply is OK. But I think we've brought this on ourselves because peer pressure is a powerful force even in adulthood.

All this coupled with TV, PC's, big houses with fenced yards has led many to be isolated from people. They don't have enough contact with real people, which is a real cause of depression for many people. I moved from my very middle class neighborhood to a lower middle class neighborhood and the people are much, much friendlier. The difference was very hard to miss. However, these people are outside often, checking the neighborhood, talking with one another, doing yard work, etc. I like my new neighborhood.

I've also noted the old people are generally friendlier than the younger people. They aren't afraid to talk to you or get involved with being your neighbor. I wonder why.