Surround yourself with people with people who uplift and support you. Inspired people, inspire people. People doing things they feel good about will want the same for you.
dating someone who naturally brings out your childlike playfulness, makes you laugh, and loves you a little extra on the days you don't feel loveable >>>>
The disease model of depression stopped making sense to me as a psychologist when I worked with so many clients who lived in poverty, who could barely make ends meet, and who had no time for creativity or purpose. Depression is a response.
again, breakdowns don't necessarily mean crying. most of the time, it's you blankly staring somewhere and not having the energy to continue doing whatever it is you're doing.