To the Editor:

Re “Why Is America So Depressed?” (Op-Ed, Jan. 3):

Lee Siegel cites statistics showing alarming increases in anxiety, depression and suicide in the United States, noting (rightly) that the actual numbers would be even higher if they included those who suffer in silence. He attributes this increase in part to the “frightening environment” in which we live. In fact, the World Health Organization identifies depression as a leading cause of disability worldwide.

But his personal story is a good-news story. He acknowledged his illness and he obtained help, though not easily. And then he identified things to live for, to help him find the positive when feeling swallowed up by the negative.

Many stresses (climate change, the culture of violence, the perils of the internet) are worldwide. The United States is a big part of that world, and we need strong leaders to guide us. But while we debate about our polarized country, we should individually take our own emotional pulse, know what our risk factors are, and seek help, preferably before hitting the wall.

John M. Oldham

Houston

The writer, chief of staff at the Menninger Clinic, is a past president of the American Psychiatric Association.