how does everyone pick themself up when they're feeling depressed?

I've been feeling pretty well the last few months, but today my depression seems to have struck again... I feel like I'm such a horrible person, I just can't stand to be myself! I'm so incompetant that I'll never amount to anything worth while. I'm not in any way noteworthy. I just feel like nothing today.
Anyone know any good self esteem books? relaxation techniques? anythin I can try?

There's a good book called the Blue Day Book by Bradely Trevor Greive that could be useful. It's about the fact that everyone has blue days. I use that then look up jokes on the interent

Oh my goodness yes! Jokes on the internet have saved my soul at times. I highly recommend that too--good suggestion! My mother always told me that doing things for other people makes you feel better about yourself. Can you volunteer your time or help a neighbor, read to a little kid? It always works for me.

Getting out of the house and interacting with others. Even if it's: having a conversation with the person who makes your coffee at the coffee shop, then starting mini conversations with strangers at the grocery store. Then listen to some music you really like (try not to listen to depressing stuff) and take a bath. Then climb in bed under lots of blankets and read or watch a good TV show, and drink hot tea.

thanks guys :)

Getting out of the house and interacting with others. Even if it's: having a conversation with the person who makes your coffee at the coffee shop, then starting mini conversations with strangers at the grocery store.
Sometimes that's a lot easier said than done.

I usually don't pick myself up...I wait until my mood stabilizes enough for me to function "normally". I've found that writing my feelings down in my journal helps to get them out, though.