by Kayme Moon

Created on: April 18, 2009

With Psychology and the study of the mind in general still being a relatively young practice in the modern world, it's difficult to find solutions to depression that are genuinely helpful to each person on a personal level. People can speak with psychologists and request medication (which may help solve some clinical issues) but the underlying factor in all of this is that everyone is unique, and that includes depression as well.

One of the most important things to remember when attempting to find your own solutions is that no one knows yourself better than you do. You can talk to others and get advice, but all of that comes through a bias of that other person's opinion or outlook on life. Therefore, if you want the best answers, the best person to look to (for simple things, as I won't advocate turning yourself into your own health care professional) is yourself.

So what are ways to find what works best for you anyway? Well, as with any issue, the key is to look for the problem first. This can be the hardest part because, after all, if the problem were so easily found, the solution would be easier to get to, no? As someone with depression, I can say that through trial and error, finding the issues was the hardest part of finding out solutions that worked for me. But through it all I discovered a simplistic 'outline' of sorts that helps me pull through.

1) Step back and take a breath. The only time anyone should make decisions is when they're in a clear state of mind, and when you're feeling low about something, that's not the best time.

2) Find the issue or trigger. Is there something that bothers you whenever it's mentioned? Do you notice that around certain people or subjects or places you feel worse than usual, or at least feel that it could be feeding the problem? Attempt to figure out what it is. For example, I've never felt that I was very good at anything no matter what I did, and I found out that I have a pretty bad problem with comparing myself to other people and their accomplishments instead of looking at my own for what it is. After all, if you compare yourself to the winners, you can never begin the race!

3) Think it through. Do you think your reasons for this are completely justified? Is there room for improvement, a different outlook you can take? Instead of using this as reason to feel more depressed, could you use it as motivation instead?

4) Set your goals. Don't start too high. Focus on getting the little things done. You need to get a sense of

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