Recovering from depression is not easy without help or guidance. However it is possible. And it will require all your strength and courage and determination, because condition itself will create the feels that you should take any action. So with that here are five ways to get started on recovering from depression.

1. Educate yourself: Learn about depression. What causes it. What the symptoms are. What the treatments are. Use the Internet. Use this site. Buy Kay Walker’s Feel Better Now Book and read it cover to cover (there’s an instant download). Go to the library. Consult a friend who has been there. These are all things you could do today. Let’s face it  a mechanic knows a lot about cars. He doesn’t just start fixing cars one day. He takes an interest in how they work.

2. Get a diagnosis. Sure you can self diagnose depression but you really need a medical professional to confirm a diagnosis of depression. This gives you instant tool to start to manage your condition and a team of people you can go to start getting help. Kay Walker says it’s the number one action you should take to start on the road to recovery

3. Take care of yourself: Depression can unpleasant and exhausting so you will want to ensure you get a lot of self care. That can include taking a bath. Getting a massage. Eating a little treat like chocolate. Doing things you know make you feel good. Having sex or engaging in self pleasure. All these things can trigger the natural chemicals in your body that make you feel good.

4. Get moving: Physical exercise and getting out into the world will really help your mood. Exercise triggers endorphins, which are chemicals that make you feel good, so exercise, even if it is simply a brisk walk will make you feel better.

5. Take a free depression recovery course: Kay offers a free depression recovery course called 7-Days to Feel Better. It will coaching on things you can do to start to feel better and take on your depression like it’s a project. Sign up here for the free 7 Days to Feel Better course