I've OFTEN wondered when the depression line has been crossed, and how
does the average person recognize it?

I call it deep thinking - clinically they probably refer to it as
ruminating. :-)

Deep thinking leads to depression. That's why writers and artists are
"tortured" -- they can only produce their most excellent work while
suffering.

As someone who spent five years doing little else beside reading, writing
(and thinking about writing) in college, (well, there *was* tequila in
there, somewhere.... :-) I can attest to the fact that ruminating about life
TOO much is counterproductive in the extreme.

The Germans have a great saying: "Work makes life sweet." They're not
referring to the monetary advantages, nor the intellectual exercise.
They're referring to the fact that keeping busy is good for your state of
mind.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"