Depression is a fairly common term in society now. Each year brings new cases which can be both a positive and negative thing. The education and research done on preventing and treating depression along with other mental illnesses have increased throughout the years. I was diagnosed with depression almost three years ago, and I have been battling it ever since.

Depression can be a temporary thing, or in my case, a constant battle every day.

Depression can range from childhood to adulthood, can develop after a trauma of some kind or can develop just out of the blue. For me, it was after a trauma that it fully developed to a severe enough state that I needed to seek help. However, I had small symptoms throughout my childhood.

Those who have depression struggle with everyday tasks such as getting out of bed, lack of interest in things and other people, deep sadness, lack of self-worth and lack of self-esteem. I struggled for years with my self-esteem and was constantly bullied about my weight, my race and my intelligence (even though I was a straight-A student).

My depression was at its highest when I reached college, and I went through a very traumatizing relationship. With some depressed individuals, they tend to think about or be fascinated with death, and I was no different. It wasn't until my roommate at the time encouraged me to talk to someone. That was the beginning of my journey fighting depression.

A lot of individuals cannot afford therapy and do not know what to do to help with their depression. Here are some things you can do to start. Not all of these if any are guaranteed to work.However, these are the things that helped me.

1. Take a walk.

I know this sounds a little simple, and it is. By going out for a walk, you are subjecting yourself to the sun's rays. This can help with Vitamin D consumption, which I'm told can help with your melatonin and affect you in an overall positive way. My first trip outside was actually quite helpful. Being outside made me feel so much better. The sun beating down on me made me feel a little more energized. I took walks once a week and got to a point where I felt like going out every day. This helps with the stress of school and those moments when I feel like lying in bed all day and not doing anything.

2. Exercise.

Now that you're walking, maybe try going to the gym. I am sure you have heard that working out can give you endorphins. As cliche as it sounds, it is definitely something I can fully recommend. By exercising I was doing something rather than doing nothing, and working out actually helps with my self-esteem and not hating my body as much as I used to.

3. Reignite the love of your hobby.

What does this mean? It means before you were depressed, you had a hobby, something you loved so much. For me, it was a multitude of things. I loved to dance, sing, crochet, craft and anything that I could be hands-on about. Think about the things you used to do before you stopped doing them and try reigniting that love you had for your hobby! It may take a while to reignite it, but as they always say, fake it 'til you make it! The important thing is to try.

4. Talk to someone.

Again this sounds so simple, right? Maybe too simple? It is simple, and it could help. Talking to someone and letting things off of your chest could be a good way for you to begin to decipher everything you feel. I talk to my therapist because I know she can be unbiased and fully understanding. She is also my safe person who I know will not judge me. So who is that person for you? Is it your parents, grandparents, teacher, counselor, therapist or a best friend? Sometimes just talking to someone and continuing to talk can get you pretty far.

It is not meant to be super easy because this battle is far from easy. But hopefully, this can make it a little easier and get you to the point where you want to continue your fight so that your depression won't define you. Depression is a serious thing, and the worst thing anyone can do is make you feel as if you are not worth something. You are beautiful in everything that makes you who you are. I really hope that, after reading this, you decide to take your first step in the battle that is depression.