What can you do for depression if you don't have the funds for a therapist? Can you get over it without drugs?

I saw a therapist when I was in college about four years ago and they put me on zoloft and wellbutrin. I felt like it made me worse. I was more prone to crying and I just felt horrible mentally. I just couldn't function properly. Now I'm suffering and I don't have the funds to see a therapist. I'm also afraid to try medication because of what happened last time. I feel like I'm going crazy, like there is a weight on my chest and I can't breathe. My mind constantly races about everything from my money problems to something bad happening to a loved one. I don't know what's wrong with me. Like today, I was great - laughing and having a good time then it was like I mentally jumped off a cliff. Does anyone have anything that could help me?? Thoughts, ideas, words of encouragment...anything. Also, does anyone know of meds that would help? I'm 0 for 2 in the meds department......

I think its possible, it sounds like you're suffering from some anxiety too. I've been finding meditation helps - you can download onto ur mp3 player off iTunes (there are some podcast ones around, which are free). Or get a book/s on it from the library. Yoga helps me too, if you can hire a dvd, or take out a book from the library (it helps as it works on the nervous system).

Other posters' suggestions are good:
- exercise gets rid of nervous energy as well as naturally boosting seratonin (also helps with sleep)
- trying to cut down on sugar & carbs in general is a good idea, as sugars give you a quick high, but then you drop down & it affects all those feel good hormones & makes it hard for your body to regulate itself
- eat as healthily as you're able to. Omega-3 oils (such as vitamin E & flaxseed oils) help with the production of seratonin. And avoid alcohol as much as possible
- breathing exercises, just concentrating on slowing down your breathing. Focussing on something physical like breathing takes your mind of the 100s of thoughts sending you crazy, as well as perhaps helping with that weight on your chest (I know that one well)
- reading some forums on the web where other people discuss what they're going through ... focus on the natural self-help advice - http://www.freedomfromfear.org/ ... http://www.depressionforums.org/forums/G... ... http://www.anxiety2calm.com/mindfulness_... ... are just some of the places I'm reading at the moment.
- as others have said, there are SO many different types of meds out there & it can take a few types till you get the right one, perhaps it would help talking to your doc about medication AND funds
- enjoy the little things ... you say you do have some good times, well embrace those times. Get some sunshine on your face (it helps with seratonin too), get some 'nature' into you if you're able to, listen to your favourite music, spend time with your family/friends.

Believe me, you're not going crazy ... but chemicals in your body are, that's all ... & you can definitely work on those & get some control back. Even if it takes a little time, there is light at the end of the tunnel, & once you're working on doing something positive for yourself, you look back & see that while small, you DO make steps back to a balanced point.

Take good care of yourself.

The lady above me----peek---is right-----but you might need to try a different medication also------ talk with your dr.

Sometimes you need the correct meds to suppress the over active brain activity. But short of that, I would start with getting a good amount of sleep each night, exercise and lower your sugar intake.. add some protein.

Exercise like running and weight training can help a lot.
If you're not into strenuous exercise, try yoga, meditation, walking, reading...
Good luck hun...

Sometimes changing your diet can help you.

Bananas are good for fighting depression.
Google it.

Every county has a mental health office where you can get help at a cost based on your income. Don't hesitate to call - that's what they're there for.

prayer

yes you can. i was depressed but i beat it w/o medication.
1. change your attitude- don't look at things the same way, look from a different perspective
2. start exercising- you will automatically become happier from a combination of adrenaline, oxygen, more blood to the brain, and endorphins. sounds hard, but it really does work
3. change your diet- makes a huge difference in your attitude
4. hang w/ people who make you happy- self explanatory
5. find a passion that you have and hang onto it as hard as you can!!!

don't worry, you WILL get through this! i know, i did! :)

I am sorry to say, but there is no single bullet to fix this. A combination of meds and therapy is usually in order. My suggestion to you is this, look of free psych services in your area, there has to be at least one. They can offer you therapy, cognitive etc, and if possible medication.

As far as meds go, I am an extreme case, the only meds that have worked was Lithium, but my liver is too trashed to take it anymore, so I am getting ECT done.

You need to know what kind of depression you have before it can be treated, I suggest you try some B-12 supplements, and some rose essential/lavender essential oils which will soothe panic attacks. Ylan Ylan and clary sage are also good as they are Euphorics.

hope some of this helps.

I have a BA in psych and nearly complete Masters in Social Work.

Most depressive episodes last about three months with or without medication. However, if you have major depressive disorder, the depression will come back throughout your lifetime.

If you have a primary care physician, he or she can help you get set up with a patient assistance program. Most pharmaceutical companies have programs that allow you to get your depression meds free or at low cost, so I recommend talking to your doctor (if you have one).

Other than that, you can get a depression workbook and work through it. There are several good self-help books out there. You could look into self-help books at your local library.

Many therapists also have sliding scales - meaning they will base the cost of your sessions off of your income. So if you can't afford much, chances are they won't charge you much. Some charge as low as $10/session on the sliding scale.

I hope that helps some.


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