1. Medication. Medication isn't a cure-all, but makes everything else so much easier. If you skip this one, the next set of things will probably just turn into

1. Medication. Medication isn't a cure-all, but makes everything else so much easier. If you skip this one, the next set of things will probably just turn into new topics with which to beat yourself up. (PS: Go to a real psychiatrist, if you can. Doctors don't give nearly so good prescriptions). 2. Structure. Have set times in which you eat, sleep, see people. Do these things even if you don't feel like it. If your body isn't constantly starving or sleep-deprived, you will have an easier time. Your psychiatrist will probably tell you this. (Optional:) 3. Don't drink, try to get lots of fiber. Alcohol reduces your liver function, reducing its capacity to process stress hormones. Lacking fiber reduces throughput in your guts, slowing the expulsion of stress hormones. This step is optional - it makes a difference for me. (Optional:) 4. Try and identify things that bother you. Living with broken windows is a good way to stay depressed. Try and identify things that are bugging you, and try to honestly, proactively, and productively deal with them.