Depression appears at the most inopportune times, even at ridiculous times. Everything can be going wonderfully, you are healthy and active, enjoying your life and then depression rears its ugly head. Suddenly your wonderful life seems pointless, and you no longer feel energized to live it.
The most troublesome part of depression isn't even how difficult it can be to heal, but that it is often very difficult to pinpoint its cause. Many people who have not battled chronic depression do not understand this difficulty, and often the reaching out for help that comes in the form of an admission is met with the unanswerable question of "why?" from those you wished to reach out to. As a result of this well-intentioned but misguided approach to confronting depression, many are only given the "scientifically sound" approach to healing in the form of medication.
Antidepressants have their role, and they help a lot of people who are experiencing a chemical imbalance. However, by considering this as your only option, you are limiting yourself and your ability to heal in other, chemical-free ways. There are holistic approaches to healing the wounds of depression and getting control of your life back.
Depression is a lot like jet lag. They both hate exercise and fresh air. The endorphins your body produces when exercising act as natural antidepressants. And you get an unlimited supply of them! Try going for a walk every day, perhaps at the same time of day. Choose a time of day when the weather is fine and the lighting is pleasing, such as right before and during sunset. Or, if you prefer nighttime walks, walk after twilight and watch the stars come out. When you see something that you find pleasant to look at and be around, more endorphins are released into your bloodstream.
These ritual-like walks are effective on several levels. First there are the endorphins themselves helping to elevate your sense of health and well-being. Also, the dedication of taking the time for yourself every day acts as a mirror, giving you tangible proof via your own actions that you are caring for yourself and actively trying to improve your state of being. Lastly, the efforts of walking, particularly if you are walking alone, become an archetype of quality time with yourself. If for only a half an hour each day, you spend time alone doing something you enjoy. You are essentially re-establishing a relationship with yourself. Sometimes depression is triggered by an out-dated self to self relationship, and the first big step on the way to feeling better is to re-assimilate who you are now.