lucylucy

There is a counseling center in my area that offers therapy on a sliding scale fee basis. Their rates are very low if you have a low income. Call the local non-profit (not government) agencies in your area to get a list of agencies. The United Way should be a good source of referrals.

The other thing you can do on your own - and cheaply - is to exercise. I've been seeing more and more research evidence that aerobic exercise can reduce depression as much as anti-depressants! It's the last thing I want to do when I'm depressed, but I have to keep reminding myself how much better I feel when I do it consistently. I noticed that when I'm in a depression, I feel very cold (and I don't even want to take a shower). One theory is that exercise helps depression because it raises body temperature. It also helps concentration and energy.

You might also benefit from light therapy. If you have a tendency to stay inside all day, you could benefit from a walk outside in the early afternoon. I used to have a light box that I used in the winter (I live in the North, in an area that isn't very sunny). It seemed to help cheer me quite a bit. There is an agency in my area that has some light boxes that people can use. You can't take them with you, but you can visit their office and use one for a half hour or so. I think it's free for anyone who works for a company that uses their Employee Assistance plan (or their family members).

Check with your employer (or call the HR department of any family member's employer) and ask if they have an employee assistance plan for employees. They offer limited counseling, referrals and many different services for employees and their family members. Some will even cover their employee's roommates or significant others.