It's been a number of years since I struggled with anything like depression, but when I did, I don't know. I don't have a magic bullet answer. The only thing that's ever helped me is taking things one at a time and asking "What's next" when it's done. The one time in my life I ever had what I would consider to be significant depression, I basically just drove my car to the same few stores every day, not even buying anything, just walking around... just to get myself out of the house, because if I was at home, I just slept and moped all day. Even reactive depression can be a medical issue, so I shouldn't give all that advice and not bother to point out that you may find going to counselling or a psychologist could help. I never did personally so I couldn't say for sure.
Do stuff.
Make a list of things, big and small, you would like to do. Do at least one every day, no excuses.
Are you an organ donor?
Are you suggesting that I donate one of my organs to pass the time?
Whatever helps you pass the time.
Hrm. Okay. Which one should I donate?
I'll download a really thought-provoking podcast or three - something that really makes me think about the direction of humanity, historical scenarios, etc - something that prompts me to think about bigger things not centered on me, to put in perspective how miniscule my issues are in the grand scale of things.
With these downloaded, I'll put my headphones on and go out for a walk around my city. Sometimes I'll hop on the streetcar or ride the ferry back-and-forth across the river. I'll look at the old buildings, observe humans' behaviours, and just let my mind wander. It's been incredibly therapeutic, especially in rough times.
Heck, even if my world were falling apart, I'll still want to keep on pressing forward, if only to see where humanity goes in my lifetime. I mean, we have front-row seating to the freakshow - and just when we're entering a particularly "interesting" time in history. Enjoy the show!
Any links to said podcasts?