The difficult part sometimes isn't just the depression, but also the motivation to do things. I was depressed about a month ago for a few weeks and came out of it by watching funny television. My therapist suggested "Party Down" if you have Netflix. It will get you howling with laughter.

I've opted not to go to the pain medication unless it's really, really bad. There are things you can actually do to get your spirits up. Even try Tai Chi. I've done a couple of sessions of that through a DVD and it's worked wonders on my mood.

I must say, staying calm is also the hardest thing to do. There's more effort required and you have to be extremely self-aware to have to cope with all the different environmental stresses. Ease yourself in, living with your condition and making those allowances. Look for ways to gauge yourself on occasion then try moving forward with each symptom.