Hey, Quiet Soul. There are lists of symptoms you can find that give you an idea about depression. For example, do you no longer enjoy the things you used to enjoy, do you just not want to do anything and even sleep a lot, etc.? You can find such a list by Googling "signs of depression." Sometimes folks can feel so down that they don't have the energy to cry.

It depends on why you are depressed whether you can do anything to get better on your own. A lot of it would involve pushing yourself to still be active, go out for walks, and thinking positively. If you are feeling miserable without a job, then that in itself could cause depression. In other words, depression can be caused by life circumstances. You can start to do fun things like listen to pleasing music, smelling good smells, and taking care of yourself. Of course, keep applying for work or try to volunteer in an area that might look good on your resume.

Also, it's believed that some depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. In this case, it would likely be treated by medications and perhaps other kinds of therapy. It can come and go, regardless of life circumstances.

People can be happy and sad at the same time. If the person has a mood disorder, such a bipolar, then that is referred to as "a mixed state."

I encourage you to see a therapist or a doctor for evaluation. Sometimes depression can go away on its own over time. However, if you get to the point where you don't want to live anymore, then please call your doctor or a crisis number. Okay?

I do hope being on Psych Central will be helpful as an activity and a place of support. You already see that some of us truly care here. : )

As far as changing it into something positive, I'm not sure about that--except, like in my case, I have been depressed a lot, so I can offer people advice and understand how they feel.