What can I do to stop this process before it reaches clinical depression?

Depression tends to feed on itself and gets worse without treatment. You can reverse this process by using the techniques we have discussed in the BA and CBT modules. These techniques include doing things you like to do; thinking more positively (that is, not accepting your most negative thoughts as the truth without questioning them); spending time with and talking to your friends; resolving conflicts; and getting regular exercise and sleep. You may want to revisit this website or other similar ones. You have to decide that you are going the beat the blues and plan and act accordingly.

No one can cure depression for you. Your friends, your parents, or even your doctor can't cure depression without your help. Getting over depression takes a lot of willpower on your part-you have to decide that you want to get better. Medications or therapy are tools you can use to help yourself, but the most important thing is what you do yourself: working with your doctor, keeping a positive outlook, and doing whatever you can to help yourself improve.