I am still trying to figure that one out my friend! The best advice I can give you is to take it one day at a time sometimes one minute at a time. Live for just today and dont worry about tommorow, journaling really helps, talking on here and making new friends and helping others on here always makes me feel better. Getting the right meds which means finding the right Pdoc and even doing therapy. All play a role in dealing with depression. I hope I was some help to you. Here anytime if you want to talk. XO Jill

One thing I forgot the most important..... Never give up on HOPE! Hope that things can alwys change around for the better. XO Jill

I argue with the inner dialog, I tell the negative bitch to shut the hell up, drop dead and go to hell, I also tell that voice to stop treating me so poorly, it sounds silly but it does work. I dont know where that voice comes from (low self esteem, depression) so I do fight it and when I can I repeat affirmations of good things to brain wash myself, I figure the media does it, my family does it, I might as well be in charge of what does get the most play. I say things like " I am a good person', I am a happy person most of the time, I handle problems with ease, always thinking of a brilliant answer to any problem, I am very active, I dont watch much tv, I am a good friend.. or what ever I want myself to be and it works if I remember to say these things to myself. I was told once that the subconscience is like an engine, what goes in will be processed, so if more good messages go in, things should be better. I do know that I always find a great parking place, and I say that all the time, and it has become true... good luck

look at all the good things in your life, and see what others don't have.

Journaling has helped me unload a lot of things that I was stuffing deap down in my soul.

Keep a notepad or journal box on your nightstand. Each morning before you get out of bed write one thing you are thankful for.

When you begin speaking to yourself negatively, as yourself, would I ever speak to someone I loved like this?

All the best!

Rich, .. everyone so far has given excellent replies. In my opinion, it takes (in the following order) healthy thinking, professioal treatment (counseling/medication), and some time.
Healthy thinking is the hard one. That, as mentioned, means "thinking down" the bad thoughts and "thinking up" the good ones. Being optimistic when you don't feel optimistic, smiling when you don't feel like smiling, looking for good things in life when all you feel is the bad things. Recovery takes tremendous effort and commitment, and that is what we do because life can be wonderful, and we want our piece of it.
DS members will try their best to help. Use us for support and encouragement. You can win out... with commitment and hard work. Good luck.

everyone has given you really good advice.i agree with them all. i can't give up i have to hold onto that little ray of hope. it does help me to journal and also to reach out here and see that i am not alone with all the thoughts in my head. i have met some great friends here and they have helped me to walk through my darkest hours and to laugh and cry with me. i don't think i would still be here if it hadn't been for them. just hold on and don't give up 5 minutes before the miracle happens.