According to Merriamwebster.com “depression is a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, and difficulty with thinking and concentration. Also significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping. Feelings of dejection, hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal thoughts or an attempt to commit suicide are also very common.”
Many people don’t understand the severity of depression, but every year 1,100 people take their lives because of this disease. And for every person that succeeds, 200 attempt this permanent solution for a temporary problem.
Unfortunately almost 3 years ago on March 2009 Professor Bob Feliciano’s 20-year-old son, Sean Feliciano was one of the 1,100 that committed suicide.
At 5 pm, his buddies knocked on his door to invite him for dinner, but they heard his shower running.
Thought nothing of it and decided to come back later. To their surprise when they came back at 8 pm the shower was still running.
That’s when the police was called to kick down the door. Sean was found with both his forearms slit, and no pulse.
His family was devastated.  Out of every suicide at least six people are impacted.  Professor Feliciano strongly believes that depression pills were what killed his son.  He says, “Sean did the right things, it was the drug.”
Sean was already taking antidepressant pills but still having thoughts of suicide so he checked himself into the hospital where they doubled the dosage of the same medication not thinking it would be fatal.
This medication made Sean commit suicide. Professor Feliciano also quotes, “If you know someone who suffers from depression don’t give them a drug give them a hug.”
The amazing day foundation is what Professor. Feliciano and his family and friends established.
They have an annual walk every year in September, to raise funds and awareness.
He also goes and gives speeches to schools including Santa Barbara University, and El Monte High school.
His objective is to help families and young people who suffer from depression.  Prof. Feliciano does great things with the community, I’m positive he has changed and saved many lives.
Soon he plans on giving a speech at our College Rio Hondo so we should go and support.
Although depression is over looked it’s the second cause of many deaths in the ages of 14-24.
Many people around us are depressed, it could be your friend, your brother, your mom or maybe the person that’s sitting next to you in class. Â You’d be surprised how a pair of listening ears and a pair of open arms could make a difference in a person’s life. Â If you would like to know more about The Amazing Day Foundation visit the website www.theamazinddayfoundation.org
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