I'd echo what most folks are saying here (
except that one negative-Nancy-who-shall-not-be-named) about the career path advice, but I don't think my specialty is in career paths- I've jumped all over the place, hate the 9-5 but have done it, and have lived in a radius around the poverty line (sometimes above, sometimes below) for my entire life.
That being said, I've never been able to afford therapy (
at least not if I want to pursue any of my other life goals that involve money), so here are some cheaper/sometimes free ways to get help for depression and anxiety:
A workbook called 'Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 7-Weeks". Yes the title sounds horrifying, and it's a lifetime practice, not a "fix things in a few weeks" type of thing, but this book has really helped me with very actionable work to do to improve my mindset, focus, and goal setting. Some chapters are more relevant to an individual than others. I've gone through the book two or three times and there's one chapter I always skip because it doesn't apply to me. Make it your own.
$12AA or recovery style meetings. I have not done this myself, but I have had SEVERAL (
like at least 7) friends who used these programs in leu of therapy when they could not afford to have regular talk therapy.
These meeting always welcome people, regardless of whether you have an addiction, or just need 'recover' from something in your life like depression. I have called the ones in my town to confirm that I would be welcome without an "A" (addiction) and they were SO NICE.
My town even has a YS12SR program that is donation based. It's a 12-step recovery program that meets once a week and does 45 minutes of yoga and then has a 45 minute meeting.
www.Y12SR.com has more info- maybe there's a class near you?
$FREECrisis Hotlines:
1-800-273-TALK
1-800-233-HELP
TEXT: Text HOME to 741741
Massive helpline list (there's one listed here for caregivers, which you mention that you are):
www.PleaseLive.OrgPeople often believe these hotlines are ONLY for you in a moment of suicidal or self-harm crisis, but that is not true. Over the years I have called and even used the text line and they have been very helpful. They have also let me know that it is acceptable to use them when you don't have access to therapeutic services and that they are NOT just suicide hotlines. They have always helped me and will also email you a HUGE list of resources in your area if you ask. They can also create an anonymous link you can go to rather than have them email you if you want to remain fully anonymous. They're great.
$FREEApps: I use
Pacifica which is $52/Year but also has a free version. I use the HECK out of the app and check in with it in some way every single day. It's been a really great resource for me for everything from health tracking (
surprise, I feel WAY better when I drink enough water) to guided meditation and Thought Reframing tasks and stuff that they have built in to the App. I like Pacifica, but there are lots of other options in terms of mental health apps.
$VARIESIt does get better. And then a little worse sometimes, but MOSTLY better. It's an upward trend.
I second that you should join the Low Income Group Journal on here... as the rest of the forum can be a bit hard for lower income folks (
at least for me) to feel welcome in.
Good luck.
It gets better, it really does.