Blackness In Mind

To me, depression is the result of sadness that is not grieved, released. Sadness is often related to loss. Long term sadness leads to depression and hopelessness. Depression is statistically related to the incidence of cancer. What is happening at the emotional level is reflected at the physical level. A depressed person has a depressed immune system. DRJK at http://DrJayKantor.Com .

The answers above are reflective of what I know to be true about depression--in my field we call it "as if" behavior. If you feel like you can't move or can't cope, behaving as if it were not true can frequently be a key to at least temporary relief.

Even smiling when you don't feel like actually has physiological benefits to it! Research has shown that smiling releases endorphins cued by the facial muscles involved in creating the smile (not to mention boosting your immune system as well!)

Any behavior outside of the normal range of depressive behaviors destabalizes the depression.