You - The Determiner :

You determine the way you will lead your life. Happiness, sadness and anger are emotions which are consciously and unconsciously controlled by you. Whenever you feel depressed, try to remember this. Look around you - at things you are blessed with - food, house, car, family, money, etc. Focus on things which you have and let the other things fly away from the windows of your mind. You will feel better and much more relaxed when you count the things you possess. A feeling of optimism would then drive your mind.

Help Others :

During the state of depression, volunteering for some social cause can make you feel much better at heart. A small effort undertaken by you can serve dual purpose - make you feel light and also aid another person's sorrows. Being amidst people who have sorrows greater than you will ease your pessimistic attitude towards life. There is also some force associated with helping others; it automatically alleviates our mind and soul, thereby curbing the thoughts of depression.

Do What You Loved Doing :

There are times when we get frustrated with the regular chores of life. It is depressing not to be able to things which you once loved to do, meeting the demands of life. When you feel depressed, indulge in activities which you once loved doing. Poetry, singing, dancing, shopping, talking to people and, in fact, even sleeping can help relieve you of the low feeling. Going through an old photo album can work wonders for you, by easing off the depressed mood.

Add the 'Fun' Quotient Back to Your Life :

It is often noted that you get depressed when you do not have the element of fun in your life. Add the fun quotient back in to your lives. You can have fun by doing things which earlier brought a smile to your face. It doesn't matter that the activity sounds stupid to you now or it does not feel like fun for the first time. Give it a chance and maybe the element of fun can yet again pop into your life. This way, you would be able to get rid of depression.

Start Reading :

Knowledge is said to be the key for all sorrows. Get set to read books on subjects you enjoy. Increasing your knowledge can be a great way to beat the devils of depression. Knowledge elevates you to higher levels of life and then, trivial matters do not affect you any further. Read inspirational books, as they have positive effect on your mind and energize your soul too. Read about people who have had depressions and fought their way back to lead a life of happiness and contentment.

Stop Playing the 'Blame Game' :

It is mostly noted that people who suffer from depression indulge in playing the blame game. They blame themselves for everything wrong in life - not being able to cope with situations, letting family and friends down, etc. Stop repeating to yourself that you are a failure. These things are most common during depression. We fail to judge our skills and feel worthless about ourselves. Instead, believe in the positives in you, as they would lessen your depression and give you a renewed enthusiasm for life.