I know this may not by helpful to everybody, but I used to be severely depressed. of course its still there but hasnt bothered me much for a while.  i think i got through it because i realized how distressed everyone else was around me too, and i hated seeing people i care about who i know have good hearts be hurting this way. i made it a goal to make the people in my life feel a little happier when im around them, however that may be. and the joy of making others happy has really helped me too.