The things that made a difference for me

While I have not completely overcome depression I am a million times better than I was, and here are the things that worked for me, this is not to say that they will work for everyone but give them a try!

1) Get a lot of exercise: weightlifting especially helped, along with a lot of jogging etc. Even if you don't feel like it do it anyway. It makes a real difference

2) Find something you are good at and devote a lot of time to it. Success does wonders for your confidence and self-esteem and you feel more worthwhile. For me it was academic work and weightlifting.

3) Eat well, and if you are underweight gain weight, and if overweight lose weight. Eat regularly and healthily Cut out sweets and very fatty food and eat lots of fish, wholegrains, vegetables and fruit.

4) Laugh a lot. Watch funny television. Read joke books. Do whatever it takes. For me the Fast Show was invaluable, but you probably don't share my British humour!

5) Try and focus on making other people happy. Join a volunteering agency, sign up for a missionary, help out at a soup kitchens, help out at church with coffee. Whatever it is, when you see that you can bring a smile to others people's face, you will feel worthwhile.

Hope some of these tips help for other people.

Oooh, take up a sport! This isn't just for the young! At YMCAs all across the world, raquetball is HUGE for out of shape adults who simply want to get their exercise while having fun (in a social environment no less!)

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Yeah, sports are great too. You get a sense of camaradie, feel part of a team, and get all the feel good chemicals pulsing through your body as well.
Racketball is great, but if you are extremely lazy, there is always badminton and croquet! (Not that I would know about these sports

saxman, i like the fast show hehe but i am british too lol, also i like men behaving badly and bottom and dinnerladies hehe all very funny! i play badminton when i can but i prefer tennis, i've just been swimming too hehe

Lol. There is nothing like British comedy especially BBC. It is shame the BBC is under so much pressure at the moment. For a company that receives so little money in comparison to the huge digital channels and commercial channels, the quality of its shows are quite spectacular.

I also enjoy Harry Enfield, One Foot in a Grave, and Yes Minister.

Have to say though there are some good American shows as well: Simpsons, Malcolm in the Middle, West Wing, 24 etc etc