Every year, nearly 18.8 million American adults battle with depression, reports the National Institute of Mental Health. Sufferers find that depression has affected their daily lives and routines. While relieving a deep depression is rarely a quick, instant process, you can do things now to begin the road to recovery.

Emergency

If you or a loved one is severely depressed to the point of suicidal thoughts, immediately call 911 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 1-800-799-4889 for the deaf or speech-impaired. The toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day and allows you to talk with a trained professional for immediate attention.

Self-help

Accomplish a series of small steps to begin to ease the pain of depression. While you may find taking action difficult, conquering your introverted tendencies is a big step in reconfiguring to a healthy mental state. Exercise by joining a gym or taking a short walk around the neighborhood. Stay active outdoors by walking, biking or participating in other sports. Sunshine can help improve depression, states Helpguide. According to the non-profit, studies have shown that regular exercise can increase energy and decrease fatigue as potently as prescribed anti-depressants. It also gives you time to think things through. Call a friend or relative. Depressed individuals feed upon isolation and loneliness, which only deepen the depression. Get yourself out of this pattern. Reach out to family and friends for support and companionship. Talk to others about your feelings and remain socially active. When you go out, make sure you surround yourself with positive thinkers to keep the outing uplifting and fun. Do activities that used to be fun and make you feel good about yourself. These can be anything from reading a book, to going to a baseball game, playing music or going to an art museum. It is important to lift yourself out of depression, even if only for a few hours each day. Help yourself by helping others. Do volunteer work for an organization that helps the homeless, impoverished or terminally ill. Seeing others with such strength and faith tackling often far worse situations than your own keeps your life in perspective and gives you the opportunity to get out and meet others.

Counseling

Join a local group with others who are tackling bouts of depression. Support groups are used as an effective technique for battling many issues---weight loss, alcohol abuse and smoking. It is very helpful to listen to others with similar experiences or feelings and how they cope with their depression. Give encouragement to others during the healing process. Seek consultation with a counselor, psychologist or clergy member if you do not prefer the group environment. In many cases, a psychologist or mental health professional is just what a person needs to pull them out of depression---whether it is done through medication or just psychotherapy. Do not see this as a sign of weakness, but a necessary attempt to get your life back in order.

Source:

Helpguide.org: Dealing with Depression

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Treatment Works: Get Help for Depression and Anxiety

American Psychological Association: Depression: How psychotherapy helps people recover from depression

More Information:

National Institute of Mental Health: Depression

Families for Depression Awareness: Helping Someone Receive Treatment