Other depression "treatments"

There is a lot of discussion on this site about depression itself and medical and alternative coping methods.  However, I have not seen anything about the bad ways to cope.  For example, excessive eating or spending, even drug use.  Of course these things are bad but they are a "band aid" for depression.

When I am in a really bad depression, I don't eat, sleep, go out of the house or do much of anything.  However, when I am in a relatively functional place, I tend to overeat and overspend to cope with the bad feelings.  Of course, it doesn't really help but it does make you feel better momentarily.  I have been coping with my depression (and dysthymia) a lot better lately without having to resort to those methods. I lost 30 lbs. and have really curbed my spending.

However, sometimes it is too little too late.  Even though I am getting better slowly, I am currently on medication for high blood pressure due to my horrible diet.  I am still working on that and it is getting better every day.  Stress just compounds the problem though.  Also, my years of overspending are finally coming back to haunt me now.  I am now mired in credit card debt that will take me years to pay off.  This is in fact what most recently sent me into a downward spiral.  I am dealing with it now but it is just another burden on my back.

My point is, I am dealing with all of this due to years of NOT dealing with the underlying cause: depression and anxiety.  Let this be a warning to anyone who is not currently seeking the help they should.  Not properly dealing with your depression can give rise to a lot of other problems.  As if depression isn't hard enough!

What kind of negative "coping mechanisms" do you use or have used?  Have you been able to overcome this?