Depression is one of the most common mental disorders that affects a large percent of the population. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), 16.1 million adults ages 18 and over experienced a major depressive episode in 2015.

A word that many people use when talking about depression is don't. I don't know why I'm feeling this way. I don't feel like anyone cares about me. I don't know if life's worth living. I want to change the meaning of the word don't to an acronym that can help those who suffer with depression.

D- Differentiate

If you have one or two major things that make you sad, such as friends or school, it is important to understand that there are other things in life that bring you joy. When you are around these joyful things, rid your thoughts of the negative situations in your life. You deserve to have happiness and happiness is the life of the party when sadness isn't invited.

O- Overcome

If there's something in the past that's affecting your present, get rid of it. Try to come to terms with what happen and stop beating yourself up. Rather you feel like it or not, you overcame that bad situation and you can continue to defeat any new unwelcoming situations that you are presented with.

N- New

Always seek new environments and activities that allow you to be around different things. Sometimes a change in scenery is all you need to feel a sense of warmth. If your friends aren't good for you, let them go. If your job is causing you too much stress, consider applying elsewhere. Life's too short to be around negativity.

T- Try

In everything that you do you have to try. Nothing comes easy to anyone. It's hard work. It's long hours. It takes time. But that's the beauty of life. Just like time, life continues on.