Depression Prevention

Friends-- I received this from a friend on another list, and because I liked the suggestions of the counselor, I got her permission to post it here---FWIW to anyone of either list:

S.T. wrote:
I just got back from seeing the counselor about depression prevention. This guy has specialized in depression, and I really like him. I got more ideas in one hour than some counselors have offered over months of appointments!

1. Treat depression like diabetes: something you have and need to manage, but if managed it needn't be life-threatening or limiting.
2. Keep a schedule. He said what I've discovered on my own--I don't do well with a completely fluid schedule.
3. Eat regularly and well.
4. Make a plan with/for your support system. Ask friend(s)/family/co-workers to do something if they notice your behavior moving toward a depressed pattern. I'm a little fuzzy on this one. I don't know that there is anyone in my life who notices unless I tell them how I'm feeling, and when I'm depressed enough to 'fess up about it it's too late. I just look too damned competent and I cover well, I guess. Any ideas? Did anyone notice my depression before I mentioned being suicidal last winter?
5. Go back up on my dosage of Zoloft before I feel a need for it. (I cut down for summer.)
6. Use the light box --he's going to do some research on exactly how to use it & e-mail it to me. (She suffers from SAD--Seasonal Affective Disorder --in winter, and light therapy seems to help her.)
7. Give my husband something he can do to help me, even if it's the equivalent of boiling water during childbirth. I think I'll come up with some meals he can prepare when I'm down - hopefully something equally simple but a little better than his usual frozen pot pies.

I think it's good to have ideas for things we can do to help ourselves, that don't depend on meds. Perhaps others would add some tips from their experience?