It's not a criticism, it's an observation.
We are the No. 1 sad folks
Mike Cox

In a recent World Health Organization survey, America was No. 1. The bad news is this survey was for depression. The U. S. has 9.6 percent of its population under treatment for some type of depression. Nigeria rolls up a spiffy point eight.

A country with widespread poverty, political upheaval, and low life expectancy has less depression than the greatest country in the world? Maybe living day to day without any future dreams makes people less likely to dwell on missed opportunities.

Maybe we strive for excellence so much we concentrate on our shortcomings. Maybe the wall to wall reporting of murders, car crashes, and political ineffectiveness makes us less confident of the future. And maybe we've turned into a nation of sissies.

Depression is a real condition, and people afflicted with it are ill. They require treatment to function as productive adults. But has the medical establishment, primarily drug companies, influenced the enormous growth in the number of people considered depressed? We have diagnosed sadness and shyness as treatable illnesses in the last year.

And how much does the news media influence how a person feels? Maybe we have lost focus and need to be reminded what is really worth being depressed about.

If your wife tells you she's thinking about buying a new sink for the bathroom you might want to visit someone's couch. A whole new bathroom is on the horizon. Unless you're handy around the house, or have that Australian home repair guy on speed dial, you will probably feel a little down in the next few weeks.

If you are scheduling a visit to Al Sharpton's radio program to atone for something you said, you have reason to be depressed; your life is basically over. If you coach a pro sports team and the owner just gave you a public vote of confidence, dust off that prescription of Lexapro.

If you are a murderer, rapist, drug addict, or thief, don't worry. Get a publicist, find a way to blame anything other than yourself, and get a new suit and sincere expression. Crimes like these aren't a big deal anymore. Especially if you are a woman or person of color.

It will be simple to link your crime to past prejudices by a white man in power. There is probably a book deal in there somewhere. If Oprah picks up the story, you will be rich. Just wait until after the election. She's busy right now.

If you are a celebrity with a secret, you might have a reason to be a little despondent. Society is obsessed with anyone who is the least bit known. A video, 911 tape or whispered accusation by a friend will get you on TV 24/7, and your front yard will become a campground for Nancy Grace and Greta Van Susteren.

The only way this will go away is if another celebrity does something dumber or with better quality video. World events won't save you. We don't care about wars, famine, and genocide if we can see Britney and Lindsay acting a fool.

Bottom line, unless some of the above apply, quit worrying. If we all get depression, the terrorists win.