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Getting depressed or overwhelmed can happen so quickly it can be hard to see it coming. Apart from leading a perfect life, I’m not sure there is any sure-fire way to avoid depression entirely. There are, however, ways to snap out of it once you’re there:

1. Get out: It doesn’t matter where, it doesn’t matter who with. Go out alone if you have to. Take a walk in the woods, take a wintertime walk on the beach, go for a bike ride, go for a car ride. Spend at least 2-3 hours out of the house per day, above and beyond work. Who knows who you’ll bump in to, meet, or see.

2. Get interested: Find a hobby. Something that you enjoy doing. Already have one? Take it to the next level. Categorize your baseball card collection, make a database of your stamps. Learn a new stitch, take on a larger pet project than you wouldn’t have previously.

3. Get improved: Are there any free classes available at your local community college or vocational school? Anything you’d be interested in taking? Consider enrolling. Whether its pottery or risk management, if you’re interested, you’re likely to find like-minded individuals at the class. Even if you don’t, at least you’re improving yourself and you’re out of the house for a few hours.

4. Get involved: Virtually all churches, clubs and interest groups have some sort of charitable wing. Consider volunteering at a soup kitchen, or a church pantry. These types of charities are always in need of volunteers. You’ll meet people, you’ll help people, and you’ll feel better about yourself.