Dear Lonely Student,
I'm glad you wrote.  Knowing my answer couldn't reach you nearly as soon as I'd like, I was encouraged by your strength and self-awareness, qualities which enable you to take the assertive step of seeking help.
        Depression can serve a positive purpose, alerting us to the need for change in our circumstances, relationships, and attitudes.  However, facing these changes is no easy undertaking, and support along the way can be invaluable.  Here are resources you may call upon this summer:


        1)  Walk-in counseling at the Dean of Students Office, 103 Barnes Hall (255-3608) -- no appointment needed; simply go to the office any weekday between 9 a.m. and 4: 30 p.m. and ask for the Dean on call.
        2)  Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service (272-1616) -- Call any time of day or night when you need a listening ear or information about where to get further help.
        3)  Cornell United Religious Work, 118 Anabel Taylor Hall (255-4214) -- General, religious, or crisis counseling.




        4)  Family and Children's Service, 204 N. Cayuga Street (273-7494) -- Provides individual as well as family counseling with a sliding fee scale. Although they have a waiting list, you can get an emergency appointment immediately to help you sort out what steps to take next.
        5)  Tompkins County Mental Health Clinic, 401 Harris B. Dates Drive (273-4163) -- Provides individual counseling, near the hospital and accessible by bus.
        6)  The Cornell Plantations Gardens, on Plantations Road just off Forest Home Drive near Beebe Lake -- The beauty of these gardens provides great healing and solace, with no appointment necessary!  The same applies to the local state parks.
        7)  I'd also be happy to listen and respond if you'd like to write again. I wish you the courage you need to wrestle from this depression the boon it surely holds for you.                           Uncle Ezra

Uncle Ezra   

Dear AG-ravated,
Depends on your definition of "soon".  From the Statutory Office For Capital Facilities (5-7784) I received a prediction of early October, buttressed by "we hope".  Sounds like you're not the only one who's wishing for swift progress!                          Uncle Ezra

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Fed-up,
There is a plethora of books on these subjects in local bookstores, such as Borealis (106 N. Cayuga St.), New Alexandrian (102 The Commons, 2nd floor, above Williams Shoes, 272-1663), and Smedley's (307 W. State St.). One book to look for is "The Holy Book of Women's Mysteries", by Zsuzsanna Budapest.
        For local information, try talking to the people who work at these bookstores.  They may have suggestions or contacts and may know of local groups. You may need patience in this search, since many of the people involved are likely to be reluctant to volunteer the information you seek.  A notice on the bookstores' bulletin boards with your first name and phone number may also help you find an established group or perhaps start one of your own. Be open to the books and people that come your way, and at the same time be selective about what you become involved in.  Let your instincts and intuition guide you in the direction that's right for you.  With patience, you are sure to find kindred spirits.

Uncle Ezra