the best to ward off depression.

For me, the best way I cope with depression is to not think about the things that get me down. I have to keep myself occupied with things that cheer me up. My therapist told me that yoga is a good way to deal with it.

You are right, depression can have very negative effects on a person, and both men and women are victims of depression and if unchecked, can lead to severe physical disorders or behavior. Some times the symptoms are temporary, triggered of by some personal loss, but the dangerous bouts are when the problem is very deep rooted, for instance childhood trauma or abuse. Depression is a very real 'dis ease' and requires proper medical attention and consultation. Any erratic, non characteristic behavior could be the first signs of depression and if unchecked, could even lead to schizophrenia which to my knowledge is incurable and can only be suppressed through medication.

Depression comes when it comes. Life around you can get ya into it. Dont let it pile up because it's a balance in the emoitional health of a person. Everything no matter what wants balance. It tries to find balance, and will try to stay at balance. If you push too far on the side of fighting and not having depression, it'll all collapse down on ya and you'll go into a severe depression. People try so hard to fight sadness, but it'll only make them more sad in the end. Just be sad sometimes, because then you can have hope. Hope of being happy, hope of enjoying life, and hope of knowing you got through another bad time. So just be sad sometimes, but not too much or you could possibly force yourself into a depression. Also when sad, never forget "Tomarrow's another day" and so live live till then, and hopefully everything'll be better.