As someone who I believe is just on the cusp of coming out of a depression. (I am just beginning to be able to visualize my life as it currently is without a horrible hopeless feeling). I am finding this thread to be interesting, especially as I apply it to my experience.
So while unintentional, thank you everyone for that.
For me, my source of depression has to do with some experiences in my childhood that threw me off badly enough that I never developed emotionally in some aspects. I had the twin hells of fixing myself and being depressed. Something I recommend to no one. It is far from fun to have to deal with some rather extreme stress.
Right now, I am sitting at a labor day celebration, watching my kids sword fight, listening to a pretty good cover band, and waiting for fireworks. I am enjoying the hell out of the moment. Two weeks ago, I could be in the same situation and feel like ****. Today, I have a calendar full of things to do, all since thought of recently. I can imagine my future with some hope and joy. That feeling gets stronger daily. I have reconnected with parts of myself long since forgotten and fixed those broken pieces. Life is good.
Depression comes in many forms and from many sources. Fixing mine required a lot of work, but I have my new basis for motivation and its stronger as I used to rely on others for joy and fun. Now I do it on my own (it still feels weird, I admit).
Next week is a Linux user group meeting. Then its a monthly LARP meeting. Doing volunteer work at a local park and at church. Some other stuff. Thinking of doing cosplay.
I would say the biggest lesson for me is that depression hits when you are disconnected from what brings you joy. When that happens there is nothing to counteract stress and it puts you in danger of going down with the ship.
Everyone, please heed this advice. Find something that is totally yours in life and that brings you joy. I have the fortune of going to a church that always manages to give the perfect sermon for whatever I am facing that week. In this case, its the advice I just gave. Hang in to your passion, I didn't and it has taken me months to find new ones that work for me. Nobody should have to deal with that.