Just read an article that claimed that white males over the age of 60 have the highest suicide rate. Can't speak to clinical depression--some days I feel better than others, but that's just the flow of life--but the article subtly says that these men, often high achievers, sometimes lose the will when personal/health/professional/financial issues get the better of them. My dad has suffered a heart attack, quintuple bypass and colon and throat cancer (the worst), and no one would have blamed him if he quit fighting (he'd never commit suicide, but could have just 'thrown in the towel' and given up). But, despite losing most of his hearing and suffering from macular degeneration he has too many projects to finish, and a few more he'd like to start, and he just keeps pushing. This has convinced me that no matter your position or stage of life you need a passion. Not just a hobby, something to 'putter around' with, but something that drives you to get out of bed and give it a go every day you can no matter how low you feel.
This is where our collective passion--Austin-Healeys--come in; they're more than just an 'old car hobby,' they're a passion, one of many potential passions, that add something to life beyond creature comforts and even the joys that friends and families contribute to our sense of well being. It's anecdotal 'data,' but I can't think of anyone with at least one such passion that has ended his/her own life; certainly, none in the Healey community that I know of and we know people like Dave R and Rich C fought til the end.
Sorry for preaching; just wanted to say it.