I have been through more unwanted change in the last couple of months in my life then I think I ever have. As with many of the members of my family -- I do NOT like change and do not seem to manage it well. Especially when it is unwanted and unplanned changes. That is when I am at high risk for a battle with depression.

My mother was recently diagnosed with dementia and my family had to make a big move from the New York area to the Philadelphia area with little warning or planning. My children moved to a new school in the middle of the year. We are in temporary housing. And my husband still has to commute back and forth to work. This was a great deal of change for my family -- especially because we didn't see it coming.

Now although I will probably always battle depression throughout my life, I currently live a medication-free life due to a depression-free life treatment plan I currently follow. But it isn't easy - especially when there are changes in my daily routine.

So if you battle depression or have a family member who does, keep in mind to lookout for depression warnings signs if there are these sorts of changes in their lives:

1. Sudden illness in the family
2. Sudden death in the family
3. Move to a new home/area
4. Move to a new school (children)
5. Change in career
6. Loss of job
7. Loss or partial loss of income
8. Change in relationship with friend(s)
9. Loss of a pet
10. Take on new responsibilities at home or work

It's very easy to be on the outside of a person in the midst of change and through them a few reassuring words such as "if you need anything let me know", and believe that that is enough to see them through their time of change.

This is not always enough, for you or someone else. It is important to stay committed to the things and interventions that work well for you during time of change.

Examples include: talk therapy, staying connected to friends/family, exercise.

Now while I have talked about examples of negative change, this can also affect people who experience positive change as well.

1. An increase in income
2. A new position at work
3. The birth of a child
4. The start of a new business
5. Graduating school/college

Sometimes any change whether or not it is anticipated can be hard for those who battle depression and are a bit "rigid" in how they see and need their lives to be structured.

While the old adage still remains to be true "change is good", it can be a stumbling block for many people who battle depression and one to pay close attention to.

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Lisa Angelettie MSW, "GirlShrink" is a psychotherapist, author, and certified Life Coach. Her site GirlShrink.com is the #1 "Advice & Counseling" site on the web. For more information on how to beat your depression naturally - without drugs - visit her site: NaturallyDepressionFree.com