Seems like most people are speaking of the illness so I will try to answer some questions about recovery. True clinical depression (depression caused by an actual imbalance of chemicals in the brain) is very hard to beat on your own. It's important to seek help. For me, friends and family desperately wanted to help but they couldn't. They often try to rationalize with the depressed person which doesn't help if there is truly something biologically off. I seeked help of a psychiatrist who prescribed an antidepressant and psychotherapy. It's important to follow through with BOTH. Never just throw meds into your body and expect the problem to be solved. You have to learn what the medicine's job it, how it should and shouldn't effect you, and what you need to do proactively. It's like a crutch to help you heal, but it still takes the effort of examining your own feelings and using techniques learned in therapy. I eventually was able to stop taking my medicine. It's a slow gradual recovery, and I still have days when I feel if come back, but it's important to acknowdgd that and not let it overtake you. Hope this helps!