Most people will go through a patch of time in their lives where they will feel sad, lonely, left out, or as if they are a complete failure. These feelings may come after losing a loved one, getting fired from a job, going through a divorce, or even something as simple as not being invited to a friend’s get together. These are very normal feelings a person may have going through one of those situations. However, there are some people who feel all those negative feelings on a daily basis. These people are affected by depression. There are approximately 14.8 million American adults who are affected by depression.

     The most common type of depression is called clinical depression or major depression. Clinical depression affects how someone eats, sleeps, thinks of another person and how he or she  thinks of his or her self. If clinical depression is not treated, it can lead to drug or alcohol abuse, problems at work, lack of sleep, or the worst possibility, suicide.

     According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 12.7 in 100,000 adults ages 20 to 24 die from suicide each year. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for adults ages 18 to 65.

     If a loved one is going through a hard time or is showing any changes in behavior, be the one to make a difference. Being a friend to someone could save that person’s life.