单项选择题

We all have ups and downs, and usually it’s just best to accept them. But perhaps you are concerned about someone who seems to be depressed. Then how can you help them Here are a few tips.
Get the person to talk. Try to get him or her to tell you not only about the depression itself, but about fears, wishes, or losses that underlie it. This is often difficult, of course, but it can be very useful. If nothing else, it will reassure the person that someone cares.
Don’t tell a depressed person that things are "not that bad". To him or her, they are.
Keep the person active. Depression causes tiredness, which leads to more depression, and so on. Productive or entertaining activities can help break the vicious cycle. Very often a change of scene or a vacation can be effective.
If you are struggling with depression yourself, make yourself do something, however small it may seem. Make your bed or clean up your room, for example. You will be able to tell yourself you’ve accomplished something.
If serious depression reaction lasts for more than two weeks, you should begin to seek medical help.
The word "vicious" (Para. 4) means