DEAR ABBY: What is the protocol for naming a baby after a deceased person? If the name you want to use is a deceased family member’s name, do we ask his next of kin for approval? Do we say nothing? Is it assumed that people who wish to use someone’s name when naming their child should seek permission (whether the person is living or dead)?

Obviously, some people will use the name regardless of being granted a blessing or not, but I’m wondering what is appropriate in this situation. — PREGNANT IN ILLINOIS

DEAR PREGNANT: In the Jewish faith, it is traditional for a baby to be named for a deceased parent or grandparent — or at least given a name with the same first initial. However, if the person who died was a child of a close relative, I can see how that could be very painful for the parents who lost their child.

The appropriate thing to do would be to first have a conversation with the surviving family member(s) to be sure it will be considered the honor it is intended to be and not open fresh wounds. If it would cause pain, perhaps the expectant parents should consider making the name of the deceased their baby’s middle name instead of first name.

DEAR ABBY: During my teens, I was diagnosed with depression and institutionalized following a suicide attempt. Depression is something I live with daily. Unfortunately, my parents and siblings have a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy when it comes to anything that may stir up emotions. I feel that it’s detrimental to my well-being.

My doctor has suggested cutting my family out of my life. Dealing with them gives me great anxiety. My mother is a master manipulator who denies my suicide attempt ever happened, and I’m afraid she will tell my extended family members (many of whom I have relationships with) that I have “abandoned the family.”

No one outside my immediate family knows about my depression or suicide attempt, and I feel I may be forced to reveal that very private part of my life in order to defend my actions. I don’t know what to do. — RELUCTANT TO REVEAL

DEAR RELUCTANT TO REVEAL: I think you should follow your doctor’s advice and not be intimidated. You have an illness — depression — that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is shared by about 9 percent of our population. It is nothing to be ashamed of.

Because you’re afraid of what your mother will say, explain to those relatives you feel close to what you need to do and the reasons for it. I can’t guarantee that some of them won’t take sides, but I’m sure not all of them will. Sadly, not all families are functional. Not all parents are good parents, and some of them are toxic.

P.S. Because your struggle with depression is ongoing, I hope you are still under the care of a psychotherapist. If you’re not, please consider it.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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