In the twelve years that I've been writing about depression, I have often included the caution that it is very important to have a complete physical examination to eliminate any underlying conditions that might be causing the depression. Chief among these conditions that can cause depression is thyroid malfunction.

A few months ago, I came down with strep throat. Simultaneously I started feeling a lump in my throat. After several doctor's appointments, I was finally diagnosed, tentatively, with t...