I have suffered with depression for many years... I can say that it actually led to my brother's death (long story) and the death of my brother-in-law (another long story).

At some point I just hated not really feeling good or not enjoying myself. One of the toughest things I've ever done was to "push" myself out of my depression and get on with living life. I choose to be "happy" (not sloppy happy but truly grateful and content with my life). I count my blessings, I don't dwell on the negative and especially my past (had an extremely horrible childhood, abusive relationship etc) but instead wake up each day thinking about al the things I want to do, not what I have to do.

This is the hard thing about happiness... you have to eliminate all the negatives out of life - negative friends, negative relationships, negative jobs, whatever... you have to choose to be with people who are good for you and good to be around. You have to choose to want to be happy in your job. I don't particularly like the job I am doing, but I just try and not dwell on the negative aspects and look for the fun things to do.

Another thing that was helpful was finding a good therapist. Didn't go for long but did go long enough to know I wanted to do something more with my life. Another thing... try and stay away from medication. If its necessary, fine, but it only masked symptoms - you never get better, in fact, I believe makes things worse because you are veiled from what makes you sad and don't have the energy to do anything about it.

And find friends to talk to. Talk, talk, talk... talk it out... get out, be out, enjoy your life. Ride a bike (boy has that saved my life!) Seek help... ACT... single hardest thing to do is act but act you must. Take care and PM me if you need to talk...

also want to add, I am 63... had cancer surgery and chemo, had multiple fractures and other serious injuries, including a permanent brain injury (caused by a cycling accident). I will never be the person I once was but darn it, I still get - all old and slow - and enjoy riding. I don't care if I can't ride a steady 18 miles an hour or do centuries every weekend, but I still get out and ride, way better than probably 90% of everyone else. I look at what I can do and then do it. Just enjoy the ride no matter how slow or short it is...