In the past I didn't understand what was happening to me when depressed.....I had no idea what it was really ....why it was or how to help. Over the past few years I've educated myself on my illness and that has offered some clarity. I still don't fully understand it but I do know certain things about my pattern that makes things much worse. I stop eating and drinking.....I don't even need to use the restroom much since I don't eat or drink. I don't bath or clean myself....don't change clothing for sometimes weeks. Gross, I know but that's depression for me. I can't expect not eating, drinking or bathing to make me better.....it brings on other health problems. The best I can do when severely depressed is try my best to make sure I eat, drink, do some basic hygiene, rest, stay in close contact with my doctors, take my meds and ask for help when I recognize I need it.