There is another aspect of depression & anxiety that I don't think has been mentioned here.

People can be depressed because they or people they love have a life threatening physical condition.

And anniversary dates for traumatic events in a person's life can contribute to a person being depressed.

My long time, very best girlfriend of thirty years died one year ago on November 11th of lung and brain cancer. And my other very best girlfriend also has cancer and has been given three months to live.

I have to remind myself of the power of anniversary dates. I acknowledge that my best girlfriend's passing and my other girlfriend's terminal illness are {among} the stressors in my life. Knowing that I am facing stressors, I am giving myself permission to be sad and to grieve for my friend who is gone. I am also preparing my head and heart for the loss of my other friend.

Some people may think it is selfish to consider your self under these circumstances. But I feel that if I am going to remain {reasonably} emotionally healthy, it is important for me to grieve both for my friend who is gone, and for my friend who is probably dying.

It's even difficult to write this. But there it is.