I think the very act of trying to "cheer oneself up" is depressing, and often bound for failure. Happiness is a byproduct, not a goal in itelf (I know this is true, but I have a hard time living it myself). The two things that usually get me out of a downward spiral are: interaction with somebody else, preferably someone who wont point out to me how lucky I am (I know that already...and for some reason sometimes it doesn't help), and tackling a difficult job and getting it done...somehow in the act ov focusing on the job at hand, and the satisfaction of completing it, my mood often turns around. For shallow depths, a rousing romp with my dogs outside usually works, as do lots of things, like actually achieving an unblurry Bminor, singing loud (especially whle driving with the windows open, singing along with something that rocks and I really like, like Bonnie Raitt). And sometimes I can even write myself out of the blues, by getting all the circular thots in my head down on paper in a linear way that helps--sometimes--to lead me to the source of the problem.

And sometimes, the only thing to do is let the blues have their way with you, and hope you wake to sunshine the next day. Hope things are looking considerably brighter by the end of this thread!