Bleh I wrote a pretty long response, but apparently my login got timed out before I finished.

Anyway, I've also had depression issues since childhood, though they weren't crippling until I was 19. Still, I do not expect to ever live without depression... but the depression itself is not constant, just recurring (roughly every 2-3 months).

One way to prolong the periods between depressions is to avoid negativity, that includes news, even more includes news comments, and well obviously belligerent and excessively critical people. This can prolong periods of non-depression... but well I'm assuming you're like me, and it's just a matter of time before it does come back.

So... when you feel it coming on, or you're down in it... avoid doing things that will compound your depression. While listening to sad or angry music may help express your feelings, or produce a good cry that will speed along your recovery... over doing that kind of thing just makes it worse. It's a fine line, but you can kinda feel it when it's no longer helping... make yourself stop.

Similarly, really avoid news comment sections and similar things. They're full of sick people whose only joy in life is causing pain. You don't need that. Really who does? Even non-depressives would probably do themselves a favor by not reading the comment sections under the news.

I don't know if these things will help you, but they help me. Another thing is just talk to someone you're close to. It doesn't have to be about your depression or your feelings, it just has to not be a negative topic. Just talk about anything, interests, hobbies, people like talking about the things they've been up to, ask about it. In the case of a spouse, a change of scenery is almost mandatory. Go for a walk, or out to eat at place that's cool with people hanging out and chatting.

The point is to actually engage in conversation. No TV, no laptops, no phones... actually talk with them. You'd be surprised how it can improve your mood, not immediately, but give it an hour or two, and that dark cloud over your head might just become a bad memory.