1) Go natural in your diet and eliminate any toxic junk being sold cheaply that you may be consuming. That manufactured stuff doesn't help at all no matter how a person may argue otherwise about it. Sure it tastes great. Great enough to make people addicted to it. Yes, fast food and junk snacks are big business and will hook people. They sure aren't thinking of your health, mental or otherwise. Only your cash. Supply your body with serotonin as it helps with your mood. And lay off the alcohol. Try it!
2) Some exercise. Try walking, a leisure bicycle ride in the neighborhood or simple stretching. Try to release the natural endorphines your brain produces. You will be amazed on how the body will adapt to physical resistance in this form and will make you feel great physically, mentally and emotionally. The human body was made/created/or evolved to MOVE. Sooner or later you will find yourself needing to exercise and that your stamina will increase. When I was down and depressed, I could only swim 100 meters in a pool without stopping. Now, I can swim 2,000 meters without stopping. Some physical activity lifts our mood. Try it!
3) Therapy in the form of professional counseling. Let them help you help yourself. You need to be informed. That is why you even came to this board and posted a thread about your dilemma.
4) Music you love.
5) Comedy you need.
6) People (family or friends) to listen and support and to love you. Hey, it sounds like many here on JWD!! Ah, that's why you're here. Great!
7) Books on depression gives some insight, but don't overwhelm yourself with them. Books on cognitive therapy are helpful. Self affirmation works too.
8) Meds if needed, but don't depend on them forever. They are there to use so you can try to stabilze. I tried Paxil for a year. I didn't like the side effects. Each person's body chemistry will react differently than what the doctor thinks or prescribes. Try to give yourself a reasonable limit, both in the amount of medication and the length of time you will be taking them. You don't want to be a walking zombie-like chemistry lab.
9) You are what you think. Thoughts are actions rehearsed.
Oompa, get better. We appreciate who you are and you contribute so much to the JWD community. Power to you!
Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)