Despite the negligible dating scene at Harvardand the frenetic pace of student life here, manyintrinsic Harvardian traits help offsetdepression. Dr. Randolphe Catlin, chief of mentalhealth services at UHS, says that Harvardstudents' "productivity" coupled with thesuccess-drive that brought them to the Ivy leaguebetter equip them to deal with life'sdisappointments.

Whether or not Harvard students'competitiveness, high stress level and innatedefense-mechanisms increase or decreasesusceptibility depression, most students agreethat available mental health resources areinadequate.

Many depressed students are ashamed or nervousabout burdening friends with their problems andhesitant to seek help at UHS or the Bureau ofStudy Council.

Yet, as Ducey says, the best cure fordepression is talking to someone, seeking intimacyin order to help ease the feelings of loneliness.

Ducey encourages students concerned that theymay be depressed to drop by the Bureau which hesays is accessible and nurturing and offers a fullrange of mental health groups and workshops eachsemester in addition to providing individualcounseling.

"Through therapy and counseling... Depressionis a very treatable, straightforward condition,"he says.

Students can reach the free depressionscreening hot line at 1-800-729-8269. Those whoseresponses to the ten-question diagnostic indicatethey are depressed will be connected by theoperator to UHS personnel for a consultation.