Spot the signs of trouble symptoms: Symptoms such as tearfulness; outbursts of anger; sleep problems; increased drinking or drug taking; absentmindedness; feelings of failure; a general sense of hopelessness, need to be taken seriously - by the sufferers and those round them.
Don't give yourself a hard time: Don't feel bad for feeling bad. Accept your feelings and do something to cheer yourself up.
Look after yourself: Unhealthy living can exacerbate symptoms of depression. Try to eat a balanced diet, take regular exercise and get enough deep sleep.
Take your moods seriously: Negative or painful emotions such as depression are real biological events and need to be taken seriously.
Get out of your head: Depression is worsened by negative mental patterns that take hold. Being aware that depression alters thought patterns can help people to step outside their pessimism and find ways to recover.
Make contact: Isolation can create and deepen bad moods. Try to mix with other people, keep in contact and get support from friends and family.
It's good to talk: A problem shared is a problem halved. Once difficulties are spoken about, they often lose their power. Sympathy, acceptance and, above all, space to talk are the key words here.
Look beyond the New Year: Try to think clearly and optimistically about the opportunities ahead for 2005. Even if those opportunities don't seem attractive or compelling, remember that things can get better as the months go by.
Pick up the phone: Support helplines such as those provided by the Samaritans and Aware can offer the time and space that people need at this time of year.
If you would like to talk to somebody, contact Aware on 1890 303 302 or the Samaritans on 1850 60 90 90.
Alternatively, you can email the Samaritans on jo@samaritans.org.
As recommended by the Samaritans