Personally, how do you deal with depression?

When you are depressed, it does not matter what you know or what advice you give to others, it hurts you just as badly and it is just as difficult to get better. Obviously, as you say, spending time with people who matter to you will help. I find exercise helps too. Research shows that regular exercise releases endorphins in the brain and does make you feel better. Whether it's just walking or going to the gym, try it, it works. You may also need medication and therapy. Medication is the short term answer and may just raise your mood enough to give you the motivation to try other things. Therapy is the long term solution. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps you find ways of coping that you can use for the rest of your life so that you can become your own therapist. I really hope you find your way out of this and feel better soon.