alternative ways to deal w/depression

[dufflefluffle]

I think I'm depressed. I have always been a coper but recent financial blows have knocked the stuffing out of me - basically our income has been decimated and every way I turn to try and help us out of this hole there is a door shut (to the point that, if it wasn't so serious it would be comical). I would tend to think: ok, that didn't work what else can I do but I've run out of options now. I cry all the time. I'm crying now. My stomach feels like I've dropped from a height all the time. Nobody knows, well maybe my friends do because they know the situation but they have their own problems. I am so scared of the future. I cannot afford a doctor and counsellor (I live in RoI where a doc will be c.?50 and a counsellor ?70 a session so not an option).
I know exercise is beneficial but I feel too low and heavy to go running. I eat healthily and am a great believer in soothing lavender oil. Occasionally I treat myself to a daydream about a miraculous financial windfall that will cure everything just to stop the crying. The thing is that, if we weren't in such dire financial straits I wouldn't be so upset all the time so maybe it's not depression, just common or garden worry?
Either way, any suggestions?

Maybe more stress/anxiety than straightforward depression? But it's a pretty grey area with a lot of overlap. There are some good internet resources. Try looking up 'mindgym' and 'mindfulness'. I can't take antidepressants so have focused on all the other resources. Exercise is key - try walking if you can't run, but fresh air and getting outside every day. I also find a very rigid routine - a bit like what you would institute for an unsettled small child - very soothing, especially in the evening. Can you talk to your DP about it? Even making some small decisions about what you are going to do might make you feel more in control? Sounds awful though, I'm sorry.

Sorry you're going through this. Agree it sounds like anxiety/stress which is totally understandable if you're in the midst of financial worries. I've suffered with depression on and off all my life and i'm on a low dose of medication long term now which helps, but when i'm particularly low I find some of these things sometimes help:

Being out in the fresh air, even if its just pottering about in the garden for a bit or walking to the local shop for milk or whatever. Running helps me but I agree its virtually impossible to motivate yourself while you're feeling down and tearful, so I'd start small with a short walk or whatever.

Internet forums! Just writing it all out often helps me get things a bit clearer in my head. There used to be one on Net Doctor which I found good, you could write how you're feeling each day and other people were really supportive. MN was also brilliant when I had PND.

I'm sure there are also online CBT resources, I remember reading things like that which try to help you change how you think about things. The waiting list to see a counsellor at our GP is ridiculous so I gave up waiting!

Hi OP, just some practical advice from me, apply for a medical card, even if you think you might not qualify you may qualify for a GP visit card. If you write all of your outgoings incl childcare, loan repayments etc you might be pleasantly surprised that you qualify, we certainly were and its reassuring to know that even if we are stuck for money, we can still go to gp.
GP can refer you to free counselling , there is a waiting list but worth trying. My dp attends free counselling sessions and his counsellor is excellent.
Anti depressants in my experience on ROI with dp have not cost us more than €25-€30 per month. It may be less expensive than you thought.
Please seek help, there are lots of other agencies that provide support eg Aware
Wishing you all the best

Walks, meditation, fishoils, B supplement??

Do they have the equivalent of citizens advice in the RofI?

I think if I were you, re the financial stuff, I would post something in money matters, or maybe even chat.

I think if you can possibly find a way to see a doctor, it would be wise to do so. Unfortunately if your mental health was to deteriorate, this could cause worse financial problems in the long term, not to mention how awful bad depression can be.

Meanwhile, have you considered St John's Wort? It's a herbal supplement which can help with depression to some extent. It's not compatible with the contraceptive pill though.