I hope I don't offend someone here, I'll just give my 2 cents and try to help too.
Whenever people tell me they are depressed, I can't help but think about my grandparents (R.I.P.) and how they never got depressed, simply because they didn't even know what depression was. They just worked, took care of their family and that was it. Sometimes I think just having the word "depression" around puts some people in it or makes them think they are depressed, which digs a deeper hole. Anyway, not saying it doesn't exist or people don't get depressed, just leaning toward that the more you think about it, the bigger the chance you'll feel like shit.
The things that I believe work for most poeple in such situations are:
1. Work - most people I know who are having depression problems are either not working or not actively working (freelancing, in the middle of switching jobs, etc.)
2. Walking - being outside, even if you don't play sports, you can walk. Walk to the store instead of driving. Walk to an ATM that is 10-15 mins away from where you live. Don't stay in one place.
3. Get together with simple, old-school people - life isn't that complicated in the end. Most times we make it complicated. There are people out there who you know and are living a simple and most likely happy life. Do something with them.
4. Think about and appreciate the good things you have in your life - more often than not there's plenty of them.
5. Think about and acknowledge how many people on this planet are having it worse than you are. No roof, no shoes, no food. Most times the problems that we have are nothing compared to this.
That's my take on this, hope it helps at least a little bit!