Liked this comment/advice to a user question on Quora
The question asked was "I’m 40 and have let depression ruin my life. I was just diagnosed and have realized that all of my life decisions were affected by my 20 years of depression. I changed jobs and moved cities repeatedly, have no friends and no roots. How can I move on?"
This comment from Anita Patel
I am sorry to hear for what you are going through. I understand it's not that easy to just get out of your depression but your thought to “get-up again” is half of the battle you have won against your depression.
There was a time I also fell in (what I call) a dark hole when I didn't talk to anyone, always in my bedroom crying and tried fake smiling at work to get through the day. What helped me is talk therapy. I don't know what the actual term is but I would share a lot of information on what I was going through to my best friend, bless her heart to listening to me! I also started running 3 days a week and 4 days of yoga. I didn't mean to lose weight but I ended up losing 25 lbs in 3 months. I remember the 5th day of yoga, I ended up crying in the room and I felt the relief which I couldn't express and I slept for 12 hours that night!!
Slowly, I started doing things that I like for myself and others.. I also started to volunteer at my temple nearby every Saturday, anything…whether it would be decoration for a festivities or cleaning the floor or help making food. I also started meditating every night for half an hour (just breathe in and out with nice music and nice smelling mist, took about 3 weeks to finally able to concentrate a little) while eating healthy food. I am already vegetarian but after all these changes, and positive talks with my best friend…and that was the home run for me. It took me less than a year to go back out of that black hole.
I am not saying that's how much time it will take you to get out considering how long you have been in depression, but start doing thing you like for yourself and others and try your best to think positive 90% of time. Try letting go of things you cannot change, instead think it could've been worst. And most importantly, pray! Prayers are the solution for things you cannot change. It will either make it happen or help you accept the reality. If it has good purpose, your prayers will manifest all positives thoughts into reality! Just believe in the one who created this universe and you, he/she/it will guide you!
You take care!