Major Depressive Disorder is the second most common form of mental illness (diagnosed in 6.9 percent of American adults). According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, anxiety disorders, the most common mental illness, occurs in 18.1 percent of Americans.

The examples of mental health issues, including depression, are plentiful. A stressed-out individual is diagnosed with a mood disorder. A busy stay-at-home mom feels as if her identity is slipping away and starts spending more time in bed. A business professional struggles to earn respect from coworkers. A single person wonders i...