How to ease depression?

How does our body being affected by depression? Can we call this a disorder or just reaction made by our body due to the negative emotional cause that had happened? How long this depression can take effect in our body?
This are just questions that we need to know first before taking any cure or actions.
First and foremost, what is this depression and where does it come from? Depression defines in a state of unhappiness or sadness or downturn in mood that may last to a few hours or days.
The causes of this depression may vary from generally situational and reaction associated with grief, loss or major transition. A change of residence, marriage, divorce, the break-up of a significant relationship, the death of a loved one, graduation, or job loss are all examples of instances that might trigger depression.
If a depressed mood lasts at least two weeks and it is accompanied by other symptoms that interfere with daily living, it maybe seen as symptom of clinical depression, and may lead to mental illness.
How can this long-term depression be cured? Therapy is the best cure for depression, as much as possible medication is considered as a last resort. Find something that is interesting for the person who is depressed such as music. If finances are not a problem, travel or go elsewhere which would help the person ease the depression.
Do not let a person depressed be alone. Do not by any chance let the person think that he is on his own. Let him think that he is always beside you whatever reason the person is depressed. A nice conversion is always good for a depressed person to come to his senses. Always provide positive views in life such as telling stories that are similar to his story that ended positively by overcoming and enduring struggles in life.
If the healing process required a medication such as taking an antidepressant, be aware that this is only a supplement required for a depressed person.
What is still needed is comfort and assurance that you and his family are in full support in the recovery or enduring the depression stages is having by this person. With this we can save him from other symptoms.