Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related situations and events that impact a community (McKenzie, Pinger, & Kotecki, 2008). A common condition that impacts a community is depression. Depression is a mental health condition that affects people of all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011), depression is described by a state of sadness and hopelessness. Some symptoms of depression include disinterest in daily activities, tiredness, inability to perform daily activities, loss of appetite, and suicidal thoughts (CDC, 2011). There are two main forms of depression. The two types are dysthymia and major depression (CDC, 2011). Dysthymia is a type of depressive disorder that usually continues for up to two years. This type of depression is a “low-grade mood disorder” that does not result in severe and lasting deterioration in an individual's mood (CDC, 2011, para. 5). The population most affected by dysthymia are children and adolescents. Many who suffer from dysthymia may develop a more severe form of depression, major depression (CDC, 2011). Symptoms related to major depression include restlessness, difficulty concentrating on daily activities, feeling of helplessness, decreased energy, attempts and thoughts of suicide. The most serious consequence of major depression is suicide (CDC, 2011; NIMH, 2011). As stated by the CDC, “depression represents a substantial burden globally” (CDC, 2011, para. 2). Friends and family of a person suffering from depression are also affected. Relationships between an individual and supported networks diminish as the individual suffering from depression withdraws from society and becomes isolated (CDC, 2011, para. 2...... half of document...... mental health. (2011) Depression. Retrieved March 23, 2014, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov.citytech.ezproxy.cuny.edu:2048/health/publications/depression/index.shtmlNational Institute of Mental Health ( n.d.) in children and adolescents [Fact Sheet]. , Greden, J. F. , & King, C. A. (2005). Prevalence of depression by race/ethnicity: results from the National Health and Nutrition Survey III, American Journal of Public Health, 95(6), 998-1000 and U.S. Human Services, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).(2011) Depression (NIH Publication No. 11-3561. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/). index.shtml).