Nearly all people experience bad times and go through periods of gloom, and most are able to change gears and take control of their emotions, and their lives. Since the time their personal setbacks and tragedies happened,

Danny-whose ATM cards were stolen-has accepted a higher paying job and has earned back what he had lost. But the first thing he did, of course, was change his ATM P.I.N. numbers to something less predictable and has advised all his friends to do the same. Minnie started going out again-just with close friends at first, but is now in the midst of anther budding romance.

Gary has learned to accept his "reliable and competent" image in the company and is no longer resentful of not being considered a "star performer". He knows his true worth. And

Lenny, although still feeling a deep emptiness from the loss of her husband, has resolved to focus her attention on what's most important to her now-her three children and their new life together. She has started working again and has learned to accept-with no self-pity-the whole-hearted support given to her by her family and friends.

Some people, however, may not find the strength inside themselves and could get stuck in a rut and find it difficult to climb back up again. A persistent, severe down mood may be clinical depression, and you just can't snap out of them by thinking happy thoughts.

Biological and emotional factors are involved. The following checklist was developed by the National Mental Health Association of America to help you determine if your low mood may be in need of professional attention. Check the symptoms which have persisted for two weeks or longer.

• Uncontrollable, excessive crying
• Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
• Persistent, sad, anxious or empty mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities that you once enjoyed
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions
• Fatigue, decreased energy
• Insomnia, early-morning awakening or oversleeping
• Change in eating; overeating and weight gain or loss of appetite and weight loss
• Restlessness and irritability
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness
• Chronic aches and pains that don't respond to treatment, such as headaches and digestive disorders