As mental health professionals, we are always concerned about the risk of suicide with depression. As a nation, we acknowledge this week as National Suicide Prevention Week to spotlight the importance of prevention. Given the stressors modern life presents to all of us, awareness of this vital mental health issue is now, more than ever, important for us to discuss. Depression is a ubiquitous condition of life. As we move through life, we constantly encounter loss or the threat of the loss of important people, dreams and activities. Depression is a natural response to these losses. If we are unable to process our feelings about these losses, pervasive feelings of sadness can escalate into a chronic mood characterized by depression.

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