Try exercise (running), its the only thing that keeps me sane.
I found that exercise combined with drug therapy for depression puts me on top of the world. From someone who was withdrawn, angry, feeling persecuted, no control over anything, cryed all the time over nothing...to someone after my family dr. told me I was depressed and prescribed medication and lifestyle changes, I can and do do anything. I walked into my boss' office recently and assertively told her I was way underpaid, walked out with a $2/hr increase. (Prior to that I would just sit and complain to my co-workers). I can carry on a lively conversation with strangers I meet on an elevator or at the checkout line in the store. My husband cannot keep up with the energy I have or the changes I've made. I actually finish projects I set out to do. My kids like me.
Most importantly, I like who I am now and it shows.
I was a fool like so many others believing that I could handle life without treatment. I looked down on others and considered them weak for not relying solely on themselves to have a better life. My family dr. had suggested years ago that I take depression medication and I laughed at him, thinking "what do you think I am?".
When you finally get to your lowest point in life, you realize that it couldn't possibly hurt any worse to at least try.
I am so thankful to him for not giving up on me. I feel so much more in control of my life, and I'm never afraid to smile, or tell someone how great they look today.
If any of you are feeling depressed, talk to your doctor. I never went to see a psychiatrist, just my family doctor. He diagnosed my symptoms as depression and treated it accordingly. Don't let the stigma of being depressed stop you from acting. It will change your life and hopefully only for the better.
It's really amazing how well that works. I've been trying to get a depressed friend to start walking briskly fifteen minutes a day and work his way up.