Depression is, unfortunately, a very stable state, because your brain goes through certain repetitive motions and thoughts that keep you depressed. Doing small activities to help you feel better may seem too difficult. However, by taking a few simple steps, you can show your brain that changing your mood is possible and desirable. Research shows that making small, incremental changes in your thoughts, actions, and environment actually can alter the activity and chemistry of key brain circuits that contribute to depression. This routine covers the key steps to start reversing the course of depression. You’ll gradually break unhelpful habits or behaviors that contribute to depression and start doing more helpful ones. It's important to recognize that you don't need to find your way through depression all on your own. There's a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming depression, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional. Resources: SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP is a free, confidential referral and information service for those facing mental health disordersNational Institute of Mental Health offers Shareable Resources on Depression to help raise awareness and provide education about depression.