From a Jungian perspective, you have to go in and through. Allow yourself to be in the sadness. Explore it. Process it. The only way to truly get through it, not just stifle it, is to allow yourself to just sit in that space for however long you need to. It's uncomfortable, but it needs to happen. Find healthy ways of expressing your "shadow." (Highly recommend researching Carl Jung if you're not familiar with his model of psychoanalysis)

mindfulness meditation. which is secular. i also force myself to be with people. try the headspace app.

Ride it out. It never lasts for me. Not saying I'm special. Not saying it's normal. Just saying.

Play guitar, take a walk with my dogs or take st. Johns wart. It helps and doesnt seem to have side effects.

Get on Agnostic.com. Message friends.

Wrap myself in a blanket, curl up on the sofa, and indulge in something fun and/or meaningful on TV.

I escape into music. Just turn on the music, turn out the lights, and tune out the rest of the world.

Surround myself with big trees. Walk, mountain bike, kayak, it doesn't really matter, just out in a forest.

Focus on the things for which one ought to be grateful.

For example: About 15years ago after leaving my LAST wife with the car, house and everything else of material value as a small price for sanity and freedom, I had to ride busses for a few months. As one might imagine, it only added to the discomfort level of freedom's price.

Sometimes the bus would be off schedule or late. On ocasion, I'd be late and riding a bus that would guarantee it by a little. At some stops I'd hear that dreaded 'beep, beep, beep' tone when the bus was extendig the platform for a wheelchair. "Oh shit!" was my first reaction. "Now i'm really gonna be late." That was how it felt until one typiically late afternoon it flashed on me, how lucky I was to be able to walk on the bus. Further, to wind up at a great job serviing food to some of the most famous people in the world, in the best place in town! Asked my self: "what the Hell are YOU complaining about?"

Would I trade places with that unfortunate soul for even a day? For an hour?

Today, I go to malls, the streets, places like Wal~Mart and see so many examples of people no different from me, save being physically or developmentally challenged, who's entire lives will never see days like I've experienced; love like I've known; opportunities to express talents they possess in which few to no others are interested. I look also at the 'ungrateful' who are born mentally and physically gifted with good health that chose to throw it away like so much trash with addictions to substances or compulsive practices like meth, opiates, gambling, etc.

Among the most ungrateful of all are those who reject their special human gifts and healthy life potential by sacrificing it on altars of theological and pollitical promises for 'better' in Paradise or the future utopian existence; neither of which ever materialize in the same quality as the living potential and happiness potential THIS LIFE offers.

Ingratitude is but one toxic element in depression. Consider the possibility that it is poisoning your perceptions. If we are alive, Nature isn't wasteful. It is a good indication that potential for satisfaction lies ahead and we're still equipped to find it. Love yourself and forgive yourself for allowing unnecessary self-imposed limitations.

Let myself go through it, because it's always temporary and things get better - although I know others struggle with it, I do not deny depression is harder for some than others. I'd rather experience and get it out than bury it inside, but that's how I roll.

I read or write. That usually works for me. If it doesn't, I get out and drive around town or go out into the country.

Listen to Bohemian Rhapsody. You have to sing along. Bang your head and get into the song. It's a break from feeling down.

I watch standup comics on youtube, especially Eddie Izzard and Dylan Moran. Guaranteed results.

Eat fish, take an early morning walk to reset your thyroid energy and mood, take CBD oil, try a few drops of iodine in water. At WalMart you can buy 5-htp, magnesium, and St. John's Wort. The Thai herb derris scandens calms the nerves, and gets rid of dyslexia and dysphoria-in ME, at least.

After this, do things that interest you and bring you bliss. If you like to do carpentry, then start a small project, or if you like to paint scenery, do that. You can watch funny shows on Netflix or read a good book.

I implode and hide away till its gone

Get some serious walking for at least 30 mins each day and get more sun, (if it ever stays out long enough). I have found going up and down stairs works good for short periods of excerise! And, journaling every day, just put down what comes to mind, try to get in 3 full pages! There is a reason for the 3 pages...it takes that long to get deeper! Good luck

Talking or spending time with my best friend ?

I think of all the things that I am very grateful for.

If you're blue and you don't know where to go to
Why don't you go where fashion sits
Puttin' on the ritz

Sad music, art, cry it out! If I'm blue, it's for a reason and I let it flow through me. Deal with it, write in a journal. Take a nap or go to bed early. Tomorrow is a new day!

I talk with my husband or cuddle with my dogs. Sometimes, I go on a walk.

I go to the beach, day or night, rain or shine.

I embrace it. It is dependable. Happiness and contentment are fleeting.

If it is a sunny day I will take a walk or workout at the gym. If it's rainy and grey I will drink some good coffee & tea and listen to techno music. Conversation is always good but sometimes it gets annoying when you're feeling depressed. Food is also good. I like to eat out when I am feeling blue...

First, I understand that it is a natural part of the Yin and Yang emotional process within us all,
So, I usually smoke a fat joint, turn on some Al Jarreau and dance and sing!!