Mental illness is slowing starting to become recognized as a disease and taken more seriously.It is also becoming more of a greater threat to people of any age, gender, race, and location. Depression, one of the most abundant mental illnesses, affects many people emotionally, mentally and can affect their interpersonal relationships and school or work life. It is important if you are one of the unlucky people that suffer from depression that you learn how to cope with and handle it so that you don't feel like you are falling into a bottomless pit.

1. Surround yourself with people who are positive, love you, and make you feel good about yourself.

This rule sort of applies to any situation where you may feel down or upset, but especially if you are experiencing depression, it will do you no good if you are around people who are full of negativity because most likely, they will just bring you down. It is important to surround yourself with positivity because it may help to bring up your spirits.

2. Talk to someone.

Although this may seem scary, it may help you to get your feelings off your chest. When you are depressed, you may feel alone and like there is no one who cares about you. Talking with someone can help assure you that you have people in your life that love you very much. Try to confide in someone close to you about your feelings, like a close friend or family member. Chances are they will understand. However, if confiding in someone close to you is too scary, consider talking to a therapist. If you are in high school or college, most schools offer counseling services free to students. If you are not in school, consider getting professional counseling because it can help you to talk things through.

3. Exercise.

I feel like a hypocrite saying this because I know when I'm not feeling up to it, exercise is never what I "want" to do. However, it may be what you "need". Force yourself to get up and go for a jog if you need to. Exercise releases certain endorphins that are mood regulators that can make you happier.

4. Get some vitamin D.

Even though you want to stay in your dark room with the lights off, go outside and get some sun. The sun is known to be a great natural antidepressant, so make sure to soak in some sun. The lack of sun or Vitamin D can affect your emotional health and cause you to feel miserable. When you are feeling down, it is good to absorb some sun to boost your mood.

5. Turn off the sad music.

As much as you want to listen to sad music that expresses your mood, it's only going to make you feel worse. Listen to music that makes you happy or is upbeat because chances are it will instantly put you in a better mood.

6. Humor yourself.

Laughter is the best medicine, so put on some funny YouTube videos or watch a funny sitcom you love. Hang out with friends that give you the kind of laughter that causes you to end up on the ground laughing your ass off. Laughter really is the best medicine so make your sure you get enough of it. I promise it will make you feel better.