How To Help Yourself If You Are Depressed

Depressive disorders make one feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and
hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like
giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of
the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the actual
circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect.
In the meantime:

• Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume a reasonable
  amount of responsibility.

• Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can
  as you can.

• Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better
  than being alone and secretive.

• Participate in activities that may make you feel better.

• Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious,
  social, or other activities may help.

• Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.

• It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has
  lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition-change jobs, get
  married or divorced-discuss it with others who know you well and have a more
  objective view of your situation.

• People rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better
  day-by-day.

• Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part
  of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to
  treatment.

• Let your family and friends help you.
  
  How Family and Friends Can Help the Depressed Person
  
  The most important thing anyone can do for the depressed person is to help
  him or her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. This may involve
  encouraging the individual to stay with treatment until symptoms begin to
  abate (several weeks), or to seek different treatment if no improvement
  occurs. On occasion, it may require making an appointment and accompanying the depressed person to the doctor. It may also mean monitoring whether the depressed person is taking medication.
  
  The depressed person should be encouraged to obey the doctor's orders about the use of alcoholic products while on medication. The second most important thing is to offer emotional support. This involves understanding, patience, affection, and encouragement. Engage the depressed person in conversation and listen carefully. Do not disparage feelings expressed, but point out realities and offer hope. Do not ignore remarks about suicide. Report them to the depressed person's therapist.
  
  Invite the depressed person for walks, outings, to the movies, and other
  activities. Be gently insistent if your invitation is refused. Encourage
  participation in some activities that once gave pleasure, such as hobbies,
  sports, religious or cultural activities, but do not push the depressed
  person to undertake too much too soon. The depressed person needs diversion and company, but too many demands can increase feelings of failure.
  
  Do not accuse the depressed person of faking illness or of laziness, or
  expect him or her "to snap out of it." Eventually, with treatment, most
  people do get better. Keep that in mind, and keep reassuring the depressed
  person that, with time and help, he or she will feel better.