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The D-word is edging into national dialogue. Are we in another Great Depression? Economists say no. But small "d" depression is hitting home.

"I'm more busy because people are struggling," said James D. Deleppo, a Foxboro psychologist. "More are feeling anxious, worried and depressed. I'm seeing younger folks, in their mid-20s, planning to marry or being in early marriage, wanting to buy a house or start a family and struggling with the decision."

He's also seeing middle-aged parents worried about tuition for their kids, and divorced women and men uneasy at going it alone.

Difficult emotions are leaching deeper into the national psyche and into our own, as signs of recession grow and spread.

The Dow Jones is unpredictable. More than $27 trillion has been erased from the value of global equity markets as credit losses and write downs have topped $690 billion, Bloomberg reports. Foreclosure signs and layoff notices litter the landscape. Pension losses are estimated at $1 trillion for the year ending with the second quarter of 2008.

Add in holidays and post-election realities, and most of us feel burdened. Even Mad magazine's mascot Alfred E. Neuman would be pressed to stick to his puckish slogan, "What? Me worry?"

We are worrying. It's taking a toll.

Richard Chaifetz, CEO of ComPsych, largest U.S. employee assistance mental health provider, told USA Today that counseling requests have risen 40 percent in six months.

Money worries and depression was a topic for some 2,500 attendees at last month's annual U.S. Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress in San Diego.

"External events like our current mortgage and investment crises can lead to a spike in new cases of depression," said William Soliman, vice president of host CME LLC, a healthcare continuing education firm.

They can - and are.

Many of us are agitated or sad, gobbling junk, sleeping less, grinding teeth, clenching jaws, driving angry and exhausted, reporting stress-related ills.

Those without a job may want one; those who have one may worry they won't soon.

Mental health hotlines and therapists are busier. Roberta Hurtig is executive director of Samaritans, a suicide-prevention agency with offices in Boston and Framingham, and a statewide toll-free crisis line, 1-877-870-4673. Trained listeners field 100,000 calls a year.

"What we all worry about is that major loss is always a risk factor when people lose jobs, risk losing their home," Hurtig said. "It puts additional pressure on individuals and families."

She said she hopes the distressed will call not only in acute crises, but before emotions escalate.

"They have a safe and confidential place in which they need not be alone during their struggles," she said.

Kelly D. Fox, a financial advisor and planner for Ameriprise Financial Services with an office in Plainville, also urges that people reach out - for help in managing their money.

"There is still a lot of time ahead to get things in place," Fox said. "But I'm convinced that most people who try to go it alone now will make mistakes that will just compound problems. Now is when professionals - financial advisors, tax professionals and attorneys - are most valuable."

Most concerns are from those in their mid-to-late 50s who wonder whether the economic downturn has drastically affected their retirement plans.

"Here's where they are, in general: Their portfolio is still moderate to moderately aggressive because they have eight to 15 years to retire, so they haven't started to get more conservative yet as a rule, and are still adding into their retirement accounts, which is a good thing," Fox said.

"They have children at or in college or are recent grads and may be back at home with them, or perhaps they are about to be grandparents for the first time. Their own parents are aging and requiring more attention and care. Their jobs may be at risk due to downsizing.

"Their houses are not yet paid off because they may have pulled money out as an equity loan when the housing market was up. So, if they are still working and adding to their retirement plan, they are picking up shares at a low price, but it doesn't make them feel much better when their account balance has dropped, even after money has gone in."

Clients who are in the best place psychologically, she said, have a plan in place and have reviewed their portfolio to be sure that asset allocation meets their goals. They have reviewed their investments to be sure the choices they made before still align with those goals.

What else are we all to do, instead of melting into a puddle of blues?

Mental health experts suggest you engage in relaxing activities, such as board games with friends or an extra walk with the dog, turn off bad news, figure out what you can change and what you can't, eat balanced meals, exercise, use alcohol sparingly, try meditation or yoga and get professional help if your dark mood persists or worsens.

The elderly, concerned about life savings, benefit from socializing at senior centers, which may offer emotional support, advice, meals and entertainment.

Madeleine McNielly is director of the Larson Senior Center in Attleboro.

"For quite some time now, the senior center has been providing seniors with information and assistance to apply for supplemental programs available to help defray their expenses. Some of these include SERVE, senior food pantries, and food stamps," McNielly said. "The senior tax work-off program had 120 seniors this year, each of whom earned a $600 abatement through their participation in the program. Assistance through the Money Management Program offered by Bristol Elder Services is also offered to seniors who need help managing their finances.

"Fuel assistance has taken priority. We have spearheaded the Attleboro Energy Fund to supplement fuel assistance programs. We are finding our recreational programs, especially those that include a meal, well attended, too."

Knowing everyone is affected in one way or another at least makes it clear you're not alone in your concerns.

American Psychological Association surveys this year show stress reports jumped from 66 percent of respondents in April to 80 percent in September.

"Don't be ashamed or embarrassed to reach out to a resource that can be helpful," advised Foxboro's Deleppo. "Have a belief in oneself, that the system can and will work again. Have hope, backed up with action."