I've been dealing with depression my whole life. i've been getting by but what can i do to actually get better?

Getting better: You should consult a psychologist for counseling and a psychiatrist if necessary to provide medicatioin support.

Get treatment: There are good treatments for depression, but your information doesn't show whether you've had any. Psychotherapy can certainly help, and there are effective medications also. Your primary care physician should also investigate for other medical illnesses that can look like or precipitate depression. Substance and alcohol abuse can worsen depression too. You can get help, rather than "get by.".