As part of self observation I noticed that depression starts with negative thinking. The thought can be qualified as "negative" or "positive" by the physical bo

As part of self observation I noticed that depression starts with negative thinking. The thought can be qualified as "negative" or "positive" by the physical bodily sensation it produces. Negative thought essentially produces self-inflicted pain within the body. Consistent negative thinking produces more inner pain and at more intense levels. This inner pain in turns fuels negative thoughts pattern that continues to inflict more "emotional" pain. Then it becomes vicious cycle of "beating yourself up". At deeply depressed stages thought control no longer works and any attempts to "think yourself" out of depression are becoming futile. At these stages depression is fueled by constant intense physical/emotional pain that is constantly present seemingly without any thinking processed. The more intense the pain - the more unbearable it is - and this drives person to suicide as the last resort to stop suffering. The actual solution in this case it to guide person to look at the pain directly instead of escaping, avoiding or suppressing it with painkillers. Painkillers may be necessary to maintain sanity though through the practice. This is ancient practice talked about by pretty much every spiritual teacher - yet widely ignored. When you feel depressed - locate exact area of painful physical sensations within the body and start observing it. Watch your sensations, watch your feelings, watch them exactly where they are. Do not try to change them, do not try to kill them, just observe them. At the same time breathe and follow your breathing as well. Conscious breathing slows down incessant thinking. Direct observation of painful emotions will start dissolving them. This is very efficient practice that I personally benefited from during very intense emotional downturns and depressive states.