Intense and long-lasting sadness, or in more modern terms—”depression”—has been with us since the first person walked the earth.

Most depressions are caused by resisting situations and circumstances a person does not want. The unwanted situation is fought against, and if it does not give-in, depression sets in.

Some depressions are caused by biological imbalances (medicine side effects, hormonal imbalances, heart-attack recovery, etc.). In my clinical practice, “biological depression” is rare, whereas “circumstantial depression” is the most common. If you are “depressed,” chances are it is circumstantial. (If you are not sure, get an evaluation by a competent mental health professional.)

Now that you understand the difference between “biological depression” and “circumstantial depression” we can get down to business.

Note: From here on when I say “depression,” we are referring to “circumstantial depression.”

If depressed, you can’t just sit and wait for it to pass—it may not! You need to take decisive action to get back your happiness. Depression can be defeated, but only if you fight!

The irony of depression is that it makes you feel like doing nothing, that there is no point, and why try? Probably you feel like hiding under your blankets, avoiding others, or perhaps you try to forget your problems by pursuing distractions (anger, substance abuse, pornography, gambling and other reckless behaviors).

The first thing you need to know is that you have a right to be happy and you can be.

The second thing you need to know is that your thinking needs to change from “negative patterns” to “positive patterns.”

And the third thing you must know is that you need to take action—let your behavior lead you out of your depression (you need to ignore your feelings to “do nothing”).

To get out of “feeling depressed and helpless” you need to take action.