Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (April 28, 2016)
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016 FEATURES 5A Know the signs of depression Tomorrow’s horoscope By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. Dear Annie: Tragedy has struck our family. A cousin killed him- self on Easter Sunday. I never thought my cousin would do this. He worked with troubled teens and their families. He was outgoing and strong, and helped others through their own tough spots. A few years ago, his son died by suicide. Since that time, my cousin struggled with depression and a host of other things. Apparently, the pressure and depression overcame him that Sunday. Yet in his every- day life, he was surrounded by peo- ple who might have noticed the signs of what was happening had they known what to look for. Some- times we get so caught up with our own issues that we forget to pay attention to what’s going on around us. We need to take time to see the needs of those we love and care for — things that may lie beneath the surface. Please help your readers to rec- ognize the signs of someone strug- gling, and to help that person before it’s too late. Suicide doesn’t solve the problem — it only creates dev- astation for those left behind. — One Left Behind Dear Behind: Not everyone who chooses suicide shows signs that others would pick up on. Annie’s Mailbox Creators Syndicate Inc. Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar Chances are, your cousin never got over the suicide of his son, a hor- rible tragedy that undoubtedly con- tributed to this one, no matter what face he put on for everyone else. Here are some signs to watch for: Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself; looking for a way to kill oneself; talking about feel- ing hopeless or having no reason to live; talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain; talking about being a burden to others; increas- ing the use of alcohol or drugs; acting anxious or agitated; behav- ing recklessly; sleeping too little or too much; withdrawing or feeling isolated; showing rage or talking about seeking revenge; displaying extreme mood swings. If you or someone you know is in danger of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Life- line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Trained crisis workers are avail- able 24/7. If you think someone is in immediate danger, do not leave that person alone. Call 911 and stay until help arrives. Dear Annie: I am responding to “Stuck in Upstate NY,” whose wife wants her Greek parents to move in with them. You know nothing about Greek culture if you think your sug- gestion to move them into a nearby retirement community has any chance of success. First, the wife’s parents proba- bly don’t speak English, and sec- ond, the idea of having space of their own is nonsense. I experi- enced the same thing with my Greek husband and his mother many years ago. It doesn’t matter how small the house is. His wife’s parents will always come irst. He needs to face up to the reality that his marriage is probably over. — American Daughter-in-Law Dear DIL: It isn’t only Greek culture that puts the parents ahead of the spouse. But these same cultures strongly disapprove of divorce. Perhaps once the parents acclimate themselves to their new country, they will be more will- ing to move into separate quarters — and preserve their daughter’s marriage. ARIES (March 21-April 19). A loved one has proved to be dependable. It’s healthy to trust! On the other hand, much depends on the extent to which you’re taking things. It’s also very important to have a full and bal- anced life outside of a key relationship. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Victory! Suc- cess! Profit! These will be yours soon enough. First, you’ll spend many hours in service, con- tribution and humility. In retrospect, that first part of your day will be the most memorable and awesome. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). There’s little to be gained from arguing. It won’t sway the ones who believe differently, so you can save your breath and conserve your energy. You’ll influ- ence best through attraction, not argument. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Without you, an upcoming event has real “snoresville” po- tential. Are you willing to step in to give it your signature sizzle? They need you! Besides, you’ll have fun turning this thing on its ear. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Success favors you. Maybe it’s the way you flirt with it all the time, chumming up, batting your lashes, shar- ing secrets. Success finds your fun, lightheart- ed energy totally irresistible. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Keep your eyes open and your hands free so you can snap up the juicy opportunities du jour. Today will feature an invitation, the chance to make a new connection and a hot tip worth moving on immediately. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). There are quite a few logistics to work out, and people won’t be communicating very well on the matter. You’ll have to be the responsible, thorough one. In the name of clarity, ask more questions than you normally would. FRANK AND ERNEST BLONDIE THATABABY SALLY FORTH PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN B.C. LOLA DILBERT SIX CHIX BIZARRO MUTTS NON SEQUITUR BABY BLUES WIZARD OF ID ZITS ROSE IS ROSE SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). If you wanted to, you would find it dreadfully easy to shake and rattle a person’s confidence. Realizing the fragility of the human condition, you willfully go the opposite direction, searching for ways to build up those around you. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Love has been compared to a battlefield, a para- dise and a head cold — all apt descriptions, depending on the day and the love in ques- tion. You’ll have your own unique comparison for love by the day’s end. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ve subscribed to the adage before, but the prob- lem with the “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” approach is that winning takes a mindset that would rather go down in flames than “join ‘em.” AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Often the changes that seem magical and miraculous are merely a matter of consistent, daily effort made over a long period of time. The tricky part is setting up a lifestyle that reminds you to keep up the effort. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Some of the things you’ve been saying to yourself are less than supportive, but you can and should make it up to yourself now. Get positive about yourself, and give yourself tangible proof of your loyalty. FRIDAY’S BIRTHDAY (April 29). Sweet friends show up to celebrate you, and social fun will make it seem as though your birth- day stretches into May. Career advancement makes June exciting. You’ll take your best teammates with you. You’ll never regret what you did for love at the start of 2016, and your allegiance will certainly be rewarded. Gemini and Capricorn adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 25, 37, 15 and 49.