If that was intended for me, @lifeisawesome, then I thank you. I really like what you said about working on 'self-hatred', given that a common psychological perspective on 'depression' is that it results from aggression/anger/hatred turned inwards and directed at the self.
In fact, where there is depression you will always find frustrated aggression. And it must be understood that there is absolutely nothing wrong with healthy aggression - it is necessary for survival, self-protection, self-advancement and evolution and growth.
When the environment in which one is in blocks this essential drive then the resulting experience of stasis and stagnation is 'felt'as depression. The key then is to understand and remove the blocks to healthy aggression and creative-expression.
Don't treat the depression; treat the impediments to your frustrated energies! Should you succeed in dismantling the blocks to your vital forces then these will surge as they intend to and the depression will evaporate.
Some threads that resonate well here. I am challenged with what the cognitive therapists call a "low frustration threshold". When things do not go quite right and frustration builds the step into a sense of failure is very close => and there lies the gateway to depression.
Add in a little judgement from the people around you and the journey to "acute stress-induced depression" is complete. This is a whole lot simpler than any other form of clinical depression because it is so totally coming out of your head. Your thoughts are creating the same chemical flows that trigger depression.
My path out of this had a few parts. 1. Get away from the sources of the stress. 2. Go easy on yourself when you get frustrated - find a distraction and have another go later. 3. Find 2 people to talk to every day - I used to go to the shops every day and talk to the check out clerk and the person behind me in the queue. Their smiles add value to your life. 4. Find a way to get positive chemical flows going - I use cycling; I use photography; I use orchid spotting. When someone likes a photo I have posted I feel good and the chemicals get smacked by friendly chemicals.
So true - also, once you realise that you too can add value to the world by smiling at other people and give back what you receive, then you add that "giving back" effect - this is such a great thread, thank you so much for adding your thoughts :)
I totally agree with you there. You shouldn't see Depression as a symptom, but as a result of your combined symptoms - like the body is trying to tell you "I'm not happy here in this environment"