There are a number of ways to cope with stress and depression other than using drugs and alcohol. When we are stressed or depressed, we sometimes feel that our problems will last forever.
Most people experience stress and depression from time to time.
Not all depressions have clear cut causes, but some do. Sometimes the breakup of a relationship, a poor grade, not getting into the college of our choice, and other such events can lead to depression. Often depression comes from a buildup of many negative events which in themselves would not be enough to trigger feelings of hopelessness. Once we have identified the causes of our depression, we should do what we can to change them. Sometimes, just looking at the causes of our depression and realizing there are real reasons for it can ease the depression.