From my friend TWS

I have read many of your comments and find them all fascinating.  I agree with many of you.  Look at nature around you and all your problems don't seem as big.  Exercise (something I'm not doing enough of lately), spend time with friends, read a good book, keep family close, take care of your spiritual side, etc. are all great ideas.  My take on one reason that women don't seem as happy is that as women, we are told we can have it all.  Some of us don't want it all and feel guilty because something must be wrong with us if we don't. Some of us try to have it all at once and it is very hard to do.  Something usually has to give, most of the time it is us.  I think that women can have it all if they choose to but not all at once.  I loved the time that I took to raise my children.  Now that they are older, I have chosen to start a new career in teaching.  After one month, my students seem to be learning and enjoying my class (a huge worry for a 1st year teacher). My family is doing well at home.  My children are picking up some of the slack at home, like their laundry.   Life is good.

I think that it comes down to choices.  If someone is truly depressed, seek professional help.  If it is a general malaise, get out and help someone else.  That usually helps me feel better about my problems and my life.  Giving back to the community or a friend is a great thing.