The depression is just something in your head. You can get yourself through it with the right mindset, medication should be used as a secondary option imo. Whenever im feeling bummed out i try and focus on something i enjoy, one of my hobbies, and distract myself. Focus on your snakes or pets, read a book, do school work, or play video games. Or just go for a long car ride. Those are all things i do whenever im feeling down or stressed.
The dinner plate theory thing is also really good too imo^^^