Situational depression is a period of significant sadness, sense of hopelessness, or despair that is a direct response to an identifiable stressor. This commonly occurs upon diagnosis of a major illness, change in living circumstance, or other change that is seen as detrimental to the individual’s own well-being. Most of us have experienced a major move, or leaving for college and can identify with the stress and depression that goes with getting adjusted and making new friends. This type of depression is normal and usually short-term. If it continues for an extended period of time a person should seek help from a professional.