How do you stop depression?

What works for me: I have bipolar depression and bouts of hypomania several times a year.
Seek professional help from someone who will actually listen to you.
Take meds if that is what is suggested.
exersicise any way you can. Its really hard sometimes but do it.
I joined a very small gym, and the owner calls me up when she know I'm down, yes I tell her, and says I don't care what your wearing and neither does any one else. get your butt down here and get your seratonin levels up. I force my self, but she is very firm.
practice yoga learn the breathing techniques at least.
Make a list of things you would like to accomplish. (not too big)
Do something on the list. Anything.
Answer the phone. Tell someone that you are blue.
If you don't want your friends to know , find a website where no one
knows you personally.
I have a warm loving husband who goes through this over and over again
with me, but he still thinks if I am sleeping alot, I must be tired.
It takes him a while to "get it" so I really have to take care of myself. Hope this was alittle helpful. I've been in your shoes quite a few times, but it doesn't last forever. I promise.

Cindy, in addition to Susanc's suggestions, it may not be a bad idea to get a medical evaluation. The causes of depression are numerous. Some are triggered by life events and some could be linked to chemical imbalances mainly in the brain. Some cases of depression are acute (short term) and some are chronic (long term). Most people experience depression during a life time. However, it is important to seek help if symptoms persist for too long. The same goes for anxiety and panic attacks. You state that you are argoraphobic, is that something you have self-diagnosed based on symptoms or has a doctor suggested it? From your posting it would appear that your depression may be new in your life. Do you have a longer history of anxiety or panic attacks? If your nature is to be outgoing and you now face sudden changes in your emotional health, there could be many triggers such as hormonal changes, changes in nutrition and/or sleep patterns changes in work/life relationships, etc. Depression, anxiety and other related symptoms could be simple to resolve by making small changes in your life. For example try exercising your breathing muscles, add foods high in zinc. calcium and magnesium to your diet, set time aside each day to meditate/relax. Find someone to talk about your feelings, frustration (self talk counts!)etc. I use Rhodiola, Gaba and Ashwaghanda supplements daily to support the functioning of my brain's neurotransmiters. But there is not better subtitute than consulting with your doctor if your symptoms continue for too long.