There is no blueprint to prevent the onset of depression. Biological makeup causes some people to be more susceptible to depression than others, just as the psychosocial issues of living with HIV impact everyone differently. No one's life is empty of conflict, stress and obstacles. The goal is learning how to successfully manage issues when they do arise. Here are just a few suggestions from Shaun Bourget, M.A., M.F.T., a licensed marriage and family therapist in the Los Angeles area, that could potentially help improve the quality of your life when dealing with feelings of depression:

1.Try to accept that loss is part of life.

2.Don't be afraid to reach out and accept help and support from others.

3.Accept that we can't control everything around us.

4.Make better, more informed choices that create less turmoil for you.

5.Stop being so critical of yourself, and of others.

6.Acknowledge the good in you, stop beating yourself up.

If you're good at caring for others, add yourself to that mix.

Therapy -- "Just Get Over It"

For most people depression is a passing mood. And with time, most people do "just get over it." However, for others, depression is a debilitating chronic illness with potentially severe consequences. Popping a pill a couple times a day may help shorten episodes of depression, but they do not help you understand the causes or cope with situations. Professional counseling (therapists and psychiatrists) can help evaluate and reduce symptoms, shorten episodes of depression, and prevent relapse. Sometimes medications are not needed at all. The most common goals of therapy are:

1.Provide a safe environment.

2.Assess the need for medication.

3.Improve problem-solving and coping skills.

4.Resolve issues of loss and correct irrational/negative thoughts.

5.Improve self-esteem.

6.Improve eating and sleeping patterns.

7.Educate and encourage involvement of support persons.

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