Have you been experiencing a depressed mood, a loss of interest in activities that you previously found enjoyable, or feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of depression.

If you find yourself experiencing ongoing conflict or difficulties with your significant other, you are not alone. Negative life events, financial difficulties, and other unexpected stressors can have a negative impact on most relationships, even healthy ones.

I have a friend who once told me to “follow the life-giving path.” I can’t recall the context of the conversation, but these words have stayed with me since the day I heard them. I reflected on the meaning of these words. Did my friend’s words suggest that we should do things in life that feel good? Should we be following our bliss?

As part of a series of articles on recovery from trauma, this issue describes how to cope with the adverse effects of a traumatic event or experience.