I really think depression is more a symptom that something is wrong, or perhaps a symptom that things need changing -- more than anything else.
For me, I had to set an intention to no longer be depressed; and then as best I could do whatever work it was that showed up for me to do. I got a therapist. I went on drug therapy. I began working with those memories which took me to a very painful place. I relished the moments of peace, and was grateful for the little things; and believe me, I have lots to be grateful for. I experienced a lot of traumatic memories and flashbacks; I worked with EMDR, and other protocals for the trauma. When I started to beat myself up for things, I cultivated the input of kind and gentle people, therapists, buddhists -- healers; folks who are kind and focused more on mindfulness of the present moment than past or future events. I worked with ACIM, and did lots of forgiveness work. I worked on my diet, using supplements, essential oils, etc. as appropriate. L-tryptophan helped me get off the antidepressants, and generally feel better physically -- I do think there is a mind body connection which must be honored. . . As best I could I did what showed up to be done; but since I was depressed, sometimes I didn't do those things, and sometimes I did them poorly. Still, my intention was there, and I did the best that I could; progress happened in a kind of a natural unfoldment.
I'm no longer depressed.
There are some memories that surface at times that tend to fill me with a deep grief. I try to derail those and distract myself as soon as they begin. Currently I am working with the Sedona method -- it is wonderfully helpful.
I have dogs, and I find that they are eternal optimists, and they love me unabashedly. I have friends -- I try to cultivate the kind, fun friends; folks who make me laugh rather than the needy type. When I'm in a space where I am tended, I have everything I need to give to others. But I cannot surround myself with needy or harsh people. That doesn't work for me, so I don't do that. I work very hard to keep with those skills that keep me in the happy place. Self-tending, self-love and self-care. Whatever my definition of 'self' is, I had to quit beating her up about things which are over and gone. Forgiveness of self and others; this was key.
I say this all because I think the most important thing, what really made the difference for me was setting my intention. Without that, the other would not have followed.
So, my input is, set your intention to be completely and utterly healed of your depression. It worked for me, though like any change it did not happen overnight. At the end of the road, I really am not the same -- change has occurred.
On the other hand, I do believe that sometimes people need to stay in the dark place until they have truly had enough of it. So if that is where you are, don't worry about it. One day the pain will really be too much, and you'll have had enough, and you'll set your intention and you'll experience a resurrection of sorts.
You can come to love and enjoy and cherish your life, and things can be vastly different for you. From your current perspective you probably can't see it. Just set your intention when you are really ready, and start working at it.
Blessings from Belle,
