I'm not an atheist and I spent about 40 years depressed it was pretty much my natural state of being. Through LOTS of therapy, medications-some long term, some brief -to get past a hurdle-and ultimately through sobriety I've discovered peace within myself and I'm no longer a depressed individual. Sure I occassionally get down in the dumps but I just kick myself in the butt and within a day or 2 I'm fine. I do at times for a day or 2 allow myself to be depressed, I stay in bed, sleep, only eat junk food if anything, don't answer the phone, don't call anyone, don't shower...then I get sick of myself and start climbing up again.
Home you feel better soon.
Judy