How can I treat my depression if I can't afford professional help?
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"GET OUT OF BED: \n\nOne of the most important things you can do is get up at about the same time every morning (even week-ends). Preferably, that means about 7 a.m. or earlier. You might not feel like it but Get Up. Such regularity helps your body function more normally so you're more likely to feel normal. \n\nLIGHTS: \n\nLight helps your body function better. So turn on a lot of lights as soon as you arise. Open curtains to get more sunlight. Better yet, go outdoors into the sunshine as soon as you can. Remove any eyewear so light will enter more readily (glass cuts out some of the sun's rays). But don't stare at the sun, of course. \n\nMOVE: \n\nBe active right away -- oxygenate! That means getting up and walking around your dwelling for five or 10 minutes, or perhaps riding an exercycle. Mild exercise gets the blood flowing and transports more oxygen throughout your body (especially to your brain), helping you feel mentally alert and alive. \n\nMUSIC: \n\nSelect and play some energetic, happy music as you dress and have your breakfast. The audiovisual department of most libraries has albums and tapes you can check out. \n  \n\nBREAKFAST: \n\nBegin your breakfast with protein (i.e., meat, eggs, peanut butter, nuts, cheese). When you get up, your body chemistry is ready to convert food, especially protein,into longlasting energy. To balance your most important meal of the day, add an orange or other fresh fruit and whole grain cereal or whole grain bread. \n\nTALK WITH SOMEONE: \n\nOne of the quickest ways to beat the blues is to interact with others. You might not feel like doing that - you'd rather avoid people when blue. So make lt easier on yourself. Talk with someone you enjoy about a subject you enjoy so there is definite give and take. \n\nAnd, force yourself to say "hello" to the persons next to you in class, those where you live, anyone around. \n\nLIMIT CAFFEINE: \n\nThe long-term (four hours or so) effects of caffeine are depression. Try to limit coffee to no more than one cup in the morning. Coffee can make you more alert for an hour or so, but later you get an opposite reaction. Caffeine tends to increase the release of insulin in the blood, and insulin lowers the blood sugar level. When you have low blood sugar levels, you begin to feel less sure of yourself, and have low energy levels, which can lead to the blues or depression. \n\nLIMIT SUGAR: \n\nSugar might give you an initial rush of energy, but within an hour or so the blood sugar level can become low, and when it's low you may feel low, too. \n\nThe caffeine/sugar cycle. It's easy to get caught in the caffeine and sugar cycle -- having coffee, caffeinated soft drinks, or something with sugar every two hours or so to "stay up." For example, cola contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar plus caffeine equal to about half a cup of coffee. In addition to bringing on the blues, this cycle can result in dependence, poor nutrition. and obesity -- reasons to get down on yourself even more and feel blue. \n\nMAINTAIN FIBER: \n\nFiber helps food go through your digestive system at a proper rate, giving a more constant energy supply. Highly processed foods merely provide a quick surge of energy which can be followed by depression. You can maintain fiber in your diet by eating an orange or grapefruit rather than just drinking the juice. Eat fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grain breads and cereals. \n\nSTRESS B COMPLEX: \n\nSome persons report receiving help by taking a concentrated vitamin B complex. You'll find these called something like "Stress B" or "B 50." This is controversial. \nSome nutritionists say, "Yes, this really should be considered," and others say, "No, this is not a good Idea." You can try some and decide whether or not it helps you. If it does help, then perhaps you should consult a nutritionist to see if there are other ways you can augment your die
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You're best bet is to see a professional for help. Depression can be debilitating, and sometimes, it takes meds and councelling to overcome it. Don't be ashamed to ask for help, because depression isn't something to mess with. It can cause severe problems, including death.
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Reaching out is always a good but tough step.  The best person to ask would be a local mental health practitioner - be it a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist.\n\nBeyond that, it would depend on the area that you are in or would like to go to.  I've attached a link to the National Mental Health Services Information website.  You can click on your state, then click on the 'locator', choose your city and see what services are available.\n\nI'd also consider contacting the Depression and Bi-polar Support Alliance.  It is a patient run support organization and they are in nearly every community and might be able to refer your to a good residential treatment facility.  Depressed Anon is similar and might also be able to help.\n\nAdditionally, the American Residential Treatment Association might be able to help find a facility nearby, though they are limited.
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Depressive disorders make one feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the situation. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime: \nSet realistic goals and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility. \nBreak large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.\nTry to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.\nParticipate in activities that may make you feel better.\nMild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help. \nExpect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time. \nIt is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition--change jobs, get married or divorced--discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation. \nPeople rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better day by day.\nRemember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.\nLet your family and friends help you. \n\nSelf help for depression\n\nEffective therapy needs to incorporate everything that works in lifting depression. You may be able to help yourself effectively, although often it is useful to get the help of a professional.\n\nHere we'll go through what you can do, as well as what you should look for in any therapy you choose to undergo.\nWhat you can do to help yourself\n\n1) Know about your condition - what you know about your depression has been shown to have an effect on well you respond to treatment. Take the Depression Learning Path - it's the best way to start helping yourself.\n\n2) Cut down on rumination. Do whatever you can to decrease the amount of rumination you are doing. (Ruminating is 'chewing over' emotional issues in your mind without coming to any decision to act.)\n\nIf possible, decide to put off difficult decisions for 1 or 2 weeks while you get your energy back.\n\nWays to cut down rumination are to:\n\na) Stop yourself when you spot yourself doing 'all or nothing' thinking. (See thinking styles)\nb) Read novels when you have nothing to do, to occupy your mind. (Make them exciting novels, not romance or self help books!)\nc) Do exercise (see 5)\nd) Work if you can\ne) Keep yourself occupied as much as possible in ways that stop you thinking too much!\n\n3) Find ways to assess and monitor your depressive episodes - The way depression makes us adopt all or nothing thinking is a unique and crucial part of understanding depression. The way depression makes us generate seemingly hopeless outcomes to our situation can make it almost impossible to see a way out of it. \n\nFinding ways to gauge your depression can help to show the shades of gray, that will ultimately defeat the black and white thinking on which depression thrives. This is often done in the form of a diary, where you grade how bad your days have been on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the worst and 10 is the best. Then, after 2 weeks or so, you can look back and see how things have varied over that time. \n\n4) Lower your emotional arousal levels calming down emotions such as anxiety and anger helps your brain function more subtly and decreases the amount of catastrophising you do. Along with getting proper rest, being able to relax is incredibly important.\n\nRelaxation therapies are effective in overcoming some of the other issues that can co-occur with depression. The effects of panic attacks, anxiety and anger, etc can be lessened and overcome with the ability to relax properly and deeply. Physi
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Seek out a doctor and discuss your symptoms. Depression isn't always situational, it can be from illnesses as well.\n\nGood luck.
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No.  I would prioritize your depression as the first problem to work on.  If you get depressed for more than a few weeks at time, and it's been happening for more than a year, you should think about seeing a psychiatrist.  Many people have had their lives dramatically improved by getting treatment.  Good luck.
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I have had depression for many years and have tried many things.  The counsellor is very important and necessary.  As far as medications go, it takes a while to find one that will work for you. If you are not suicidal, I would try other means of treatment if you do not want to take medications.\n\nI have had good results from accupuncture and vitamins.  Unfortunately neither are covered by my medical plan.  \n\nIf you go see a naturopath, they might be able to help you find some vitamins and other supplements that would help.\n\nExercise is also very important as it releases natural endorphins, and helps burn off stress.  Try to get your heart rate up for half an hour at least three times a week.  \n\nTry avoiding chemicals in the food you eat, as this can throw off your brain chemistty.\n\nTry not to sit at home and watch TV a lot.  Get out and do things because this will help take your mind off things.\n\nIf you don't go to church, try to find one...studies show that people with religious beliefs tend to be happier than those without them.\n\nAlso, do you live in a northern climate, or a place where it rains a lot.  I live in Vancouver, BC, and it rains most of the winter here.  My depression is worse in the winter because of the lack of sunlight.  If the lack of sunlight is a factor for you, get yourself a SAD light (SAD = seasonal effective disorder).  If you do buy one, make sure that the light that comes out of it is white.  Many products say that they are a SAD light, but they have an orange light.  In order for the product to work, if has to be a full-spectrum light, which is white.\n\nOkay, I hope I have been some help.  I wish you luck.
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Baby, if you ain't depressed, you're missing an awful good chance to be! You may have more than depression. Depression can be a symptom of another problem, anything from mental and emotional troubles to the physical. Insured or not, I strongly advise you to get a checkup at the local clinic (they usually have sliding fee, and sometimes can help for free). There is a questionairre they all have which will only take a few minutes to do, and they can refer you to a professional counselor if the meds don't help. (Alot of times it is just a chemical imbalance.) There is no shame in having a mental or emotional disease, only a shame if one doesn't get help for it!
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i think u need 2 get more involved in life. take up a hobby(one that involves other people), tell ur friends and family so that they  can support u through this confusing and difficult time and so that they can intervene everytime u feel a little down. u'r not alone in this world, u need 2 tell urself this everytime u start 2 feel desperate. no situation is hopeless. there are lots of people going throgh depression, so maybe u could find a support group if u dont have an understanding family. but in most cases, we tend 2 believe that our families will laugh at us or will think that we are freaks but they turn 2 be really undersatnading and caring. best of luck!!!\nps if u need a friend, mail me at shreyalovesmusic@yahoo.com. i'll be happy 2 help.
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well i dont know how bad your depressions are and how long you got them now, but you should have a therapy and sometimes you have to get at least some kind of medication to get a therapy started. but i understand that you dont like the medication!i wouldnt like it either...well to give you some kind of advice, if you are depressed its important for you to have goals in your life! the worst would be if you dont have anything you work for....just make yourself any kind of goals oyu want to reach (doesnt ahve to be huge goals, start with something small), get yourself a hobby to keep you busy. dont know like a sport maybe or some craft stuff...i dont know how old you are so i dont know what kind of goals you could take yourself....but this is something really important...i would talk about the medication stuff to you doctor and tell him you wanna make a therapy and tell him your not into those medication stuff, he knows you better than i do, so i cant tell you if it would be ok for you to just stop it. i know people who would have killed themselves if they wouldnt have been on medication, so medication is not always bad, sometimes when you get depressed or depressions get too bad, you just need them...
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I think you badly need to see a doctor and get some treatment for depression....;
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First, it's good that you realize you are depressed. So many people deny that there's anything wrong with them. I have suffered from depression and was suicidal. I was fortunate to find a truly great psychiatrist and therapist who helped me work through my problems. Besides all the things that caused me to become depressed, I have a chemical imbalance in my brain. When I first got sick (20 years ago) I refused medication. But, it came to the point where I needed it. Some people do, some don't. \n\nIf you have a doctor, make an appointment so that you can be evaluated. You may have to take some medicine, at least short-term. Medication can help to elevate your mood enough so that you can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Your doctor should be able to refer you for counseling.\n\nFeeling as you do, it is hard to do well in school. The semester must be almost over. Perhaps you need a break from school and concentrate on feeling better before you tackle it again.\n\nI don't know what your debts consist of, but the Consumer Credit Counseling Service may have an office in your area. I've listed the link to their online service below. They are professionals who can help you get your debt under control, working with you to create a plan to get out of debt.\n\nAs for not having a boyfriend, I know it's hard, but perhaps you have enough to concentrate on without having to deal with one.\n\nYou say you live with your family. Do they know how you feel? Are they supportive? If so, talk to them. If not, follow through and call your doctor.\n\nI know it seems rather bleak and hopeless right now, but I've come a long way from where I was 6 years ago. It's been hard, but I did it.\n\nGod Bless!
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its sad to hear all ur problems, but there is always a solution for every thing. though what you said sounds like constant depression but usually close to each menstural cycle it is normal to feel down and just to look at negative points of life.\n for short time you can elevate your mood with relaxing and enjoying yourself with simple and cheap ways. some thing like a nice choclate with tea(earl grey,is my favorite for this times) realy helps me a lot.beside that you can stop thinking about the world for some hours and enjoy your self with may be a nice bubble bath , or something which you usualy dont do much and will not cost much too.you can light on some candles and put nice relaxing music with headfones so it will shut the sounds of neighbors lye down on your bed and close your eyes ,and try relaxing yourself part by part of your body. starting from your toes contract them and relax them and move up to your leg muscles , thighs, till you reach your head,take nice deep breaths and only concentrate on your body parts you are relaxing. when your whole body is relax try to count backward from 20 to one in your mind and try to imagine each number in your mind.and go to sleep. \n\nfor long term solution you should sit and see what are real problems and what are looking like problems.\nthough the neighborhood you explained doesnt sound nice at all but always try to look at the positive point of things, atleast you have a home to live in, and you sleep in your bed not in the street,bad things can happen to any one , but till you would be able to save up some money to move to a better place, its good to have a shelther rather than nothing.\nsame goes for your job, so many people would be happy to have your job and will not mind any hardship.try to see if you can get a better job but dont leave this one with the hope of something which doesnt exist. the main problem of yours which might be also having effect on your performance at work is your depression. which you can try solving it .\n\nwork on interior of your home. its not neccesory to have expensive things , its just how you arrange them. try to get some plants ,or flowers and keep them on your window in your bathroom and in your kitchen, taking care of plants is very effective and relaxing,\nfor praying it helps me alot too, cause god is the only one who doesnt leave us at all. but you dont need to go to church to pray, you can pray any where, cause he is every where.and he hears every thing we say. \nif you realy tried all this and it didnt helped you try to get advise from a physician.\nmean while avoid foods which are having phenyl alanine, as it increases depression, things like milk and turkey meat are rich in it. instead try things elevating the mood like cocoa, choclate and coke. my best wishes for you.
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Activity - stay out of the bed, talk to a trusted friend.  Do not dwell on the probleml make do-able plans for your life and do one of them everyday.\n\nFor example you may want to take a course, call the school and get costs. Each day do something even the smallest thing.  But you must do something.  \n\nSometimes you may need medication to get ot of it, because the serotonin level in your brain can drop low enough and you will not get out of depression by yourself.
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While therapy and antidepressant medication are the most effective treatments for depression, home treatment is also important. There are many steps you can take to help yourself during a depressive episode and to prevent future episodes:\n\nSet realistic goals for yourself, and take on a reasonable amount of responsibility. \nBreak large tasks into small ones, and set priorities. Do what you can when you are able. \nPostpone major life decisions (such as changing jobs, moving, or getting married or divorced) when you are depressed. \nTry to share your feelings with someone. It is usually better than being alone and secretive. \nLet your family and friends help you. \nEven if you don't feel motivated, try to participate in religious, social, or other activities. \nGet regular exercise. \nEat a balanced diet. If you lack an appetite, eat small snacks rather than large meals. \nAvoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs or medications that have not been prescribed to you. They may interfere with your medications or worsen your depression. \nGet adequate sleep. If you have problems sleeping: \nGo to bed at the same time every night and, more importantly, get up at the same time every morning. \nKeep your bedroom dark and free of noise. \nDon't exercise after 5:00 p.m. \nAvoid caffeinated beverages after 5:00 p.m. \nAvoid the use of nonprescription sleeping pills or alcohol, because they can make your sleep restless and may interact with your depression medications. \nBe patient and kind to yourself. Remember that depression is not your fault and is not something you can overcome with willpower alone. Treatment is necessary for depression, just like for any other illness. \nTry to maintain a positive attitude—remember that feeling better takes time, and your mood will improve little by little. \n\nOther Treatment\nProfessional counseling is an important part of treatment for depression. Complementary therapies such as massage therapy and yoga may also help you recover more quickly and improve your quality of life. For information about relaxation techniques you can do at home, see relaxation exercises. \n\nFamily therapy may help you and those who care about you deal with depression. \n\nElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used for those who cannot take antidepressant medications, who have not responded to other treatments, or whose depression is severe and includes symptoms of psychosis, suicidal behavior, or an inability to eat. 10 \n\nOther Treatment Choices\nCounseling is an important part of the treatment for depression. The types of counseling most often used for effective treatment of depression include:\n\nCognitive-behavioral therapy, a type of counseling that teaches a person how to become healthier by modifying certain thought and behavior patterns. This type of therapy can be provided individually or in a group setting. \nInterpersonal therapy, which focuses on social and personal relationships and related problems. \nProblem-solving therapy, which focuses on the problems you are currently facing and on helping you find solutions to those problems. \nFamily therapy, a type of counseling involving the entire family. \nElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used to treat severe depression or depression that has not responded well to medications and counseling. ECT also may be a treatment choice for someone who cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressant medications. Modern ECT treatments consist of mild electric brain stimulation while you are unconscious (under general anesthetic) and are an effective treatment for depression. Side effects of ECT include memory loss and confusion. \n\nComplementary therapies \n\nThe herb St. John's wort has been shown to work for mild to moderate depression, but it can interact with other medications. \nFish oil containing omega-3 fatty acids is currently being studied for possible antidepressant effects. \nSAM-e ( S-adenosylmethionine), a substance that occur
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What u need is some expert advise. Go to the\ndoctor where u got the prescription and tell\nhim exactly what u told us and he should be\nable to adjust the treatment. Depression is a\nserious illness and needs to be addressed with-\nout embarassment as it can be a life saver if\ndiscussed and treated . If kept inside the de-\npression gets stronger and one can do harm\nto themselves. Also ask what programs are\navailable to be able to get into to where others\nwho have depression can talk about it and get\nadvise amongst ur peers. Good luck and never\nbe ashamed to discuss ur condition  so that\nu can get the help needed.
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You should DEFINATLEY go to a psychologist/psychiatris. They are very good at dealing with these things. You should go to your physician too because depression can be something chemical in your brain...and there is medication for that. So just do this as soon as you can and I hope you feel better about yourself and your life!