Depressive disorders make you feel exhausted, worthless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. You should realize that these negative views are part of depression, and typically do NOT accurately reflect your life situation. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. Therapy, especially cognitive therapy, is specifically designed to change the negative thinking associated with depression.

In the meantime:

• Do not set difficult goals for yourself or take on additional responsibility.
• Break large tasks into small goals and identify priorities. Do only the most important items on your list. Let other stuff go.
• Do not expect too much from yourself too soon, as this will only increase your feelings of failure.
• Try to be with other people; it is usually better than being alone.
• Force yourself to participate in activities that may make you feel better.
• Try engaging in mild exercise by just doing something/movement
• Don’t overdo it or get upset if your mood is not greatly improved right away.
• Do not make major life decisions, such as changing jobs, getting married or divorced, without consulting others who know you well and who have a more objective view of your situation. In any case, it is advisable to postpone important decisions until your depression has lifted.
• Do not expect to snap out of your depression. People rarely do. Help yourself as much as you can, and do not blame yourself for depression.
• Remember, do not accept your negative thinking. It is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment and counseling.
• Get help from a professional. Seeing a counselor can help you recover faster.