Please realize that you are not alone. One out of three people will experience a major depression, and almost everyone will struggle with large problems at some point in their lives. Also, know that feeling depressed, upset or suicidal doesn't mean that you are weak or sick or broken. You don't have to feel this way forever. Every problem has a healthy solution, even if you might not see it right away.

People deal with depression and suicidal feelings in many ways.

Some people choose to:

1. Talk with someone close to them. A person might choose a good friend, a parent, a brother or sister, a grandparent, a school counselor, a favorite teacher, or someone else they like and trust. Sometimes an outside person can see aspects of a situation that the person dealing with the situation might have overlooked. And besides, it can feel very good to finally talk about feelings that have been building up inside.

2. Talk with a professional, such as a counselor, therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist or professionally-led support group. Some people try anti-depressant medications under the treatment of their doctor or psychiatrist.

3. Exercise! Physical activity can help stabilize emotions and produce a natural "high."

4. Express themselves through art, acting, writing, music, etc. Like talking, art is a way people can manage negative or scary feelings.

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