The existential viewpoint brings scope, depth of field, and clarity to the appreciation of the human situation. It informs our understanding and treatment of psychopathology in general, depressions in particular. Among the strengths of the existentialist stance are: a concern for individuals and their view of their particular circumstances, the realization that the individual is on a life long quest in which transcendence over local circumstances is natural, and acceptance of dread and despair as emotions which attend, motivate and inform actions that determine direction. (51 pp.)