a journal will help you identify cyclic patterns as well as trigger topics/thought/terms/views. time (automated) counter measures well and you'll spend less time in depression. it's a main characteristic of depression that action becomes nearly impossible which is why journaling for the future is so important. It's a part of you for a very long time. your car needs inspections, your apartment cleaning, and your clothes end up with holes, tears, material loss even from standard use. Your body and brain are no different.