I am struggling with codependency and depression. I cannot afford therapy. What can I do to get help?

I was struggling with depression for quite sometime. I never knew I was in depression until recently I came across another peer suffering with depression. I could totally relate to whatever she said and felt. It began by just withdrawing myself from social media platforms and isolating myself. I would never answer calls or reply to messages. I cut off myself from all my school friends and wished to be alone. I was indulged in overthinking, lost my appetite, lost interest in doing things I liked once, lost sleep. I was crying for help from within but was fearful that my people might judge me, which made me shut. Also going for therapy meant telling me family what I am going through and adding up costs. But then I came across 7 cups, and it brought me a step closer to open up my heart to somebody. I started feeling lighter after talking to online listeners. It still is helping me a lot.

It could be helpful to reach out to the friends and family and try spending more time with them. Additionally, as a way of developing new tools for dealing with depression and codependence you could read books on that to educate yourself on this topic. Lastly, consider joining support groups online or maybe in your town, those should be free. You are strong for reaching out and trying to find the resources, with some effort things will get better

An ideal free first step, in my opinion, would be to talk to some trained listeners here on 7cups. It may help you understand the reasons behind your codependency and depression. Once you understand the reason behind your codependency and depressions, you can discuss with your listener and devise some SMART goals to overcome it. A great source to understand the reason behind codependency would be to explore your childhood and understand your attachment patterns with different people. I feel it will help you understand how it translates to current relationships and how it might be linked to your depression too.

Therapy can be expensive and seem out reach for a lot of people struggling and in need. There are so many other options available to you out there and so many highly qualified, professional and supportive people ready to help you. Try talking with your Family Doctor first. They have the resources and knowledge to refer you to someone they think may suit your needs and often with their referral comes a government funded solution. They are connected with Social Workers, counselors and various other mental health alternatives, usually free and close by. Another option is searching online for agencies similar to 7 Cups, where there are trained people capable of helping you through most issues that might come up and can help in suggesting tips to help work through and settle your issue. Support groups in the area are another way to help work through what’s going on, with similar people going through similar situations. Finding someone to talk to that you can trust and confide in is the main goal, no longer struggling alone.

The first step is always identifying the problem, then it’s important to seek help. Depending on the situation, often moving away from the person, even for a little period, or setting boundaries can help a lot with getting in touch with ourselves and “detoxifying” from the relationship. You wouldn’t stop a substance dependance with it stopping taking it, am I right? In the meantime it’s fundamental that each person works on themselves, on self-worth and attachment issues. If you can’t afford therapy you can try talking to friends or family and in the meantime setting some boundaries like I said before. You can also try looking for free associations in you area that give help to people struggling with codependency. Then, if depression is a direct cause of codependency, solving the previous will help you get better. Otherwise it might be useful talking with your doctor

Learn yourself worth and independence. Look educational youtube videos, talk to other people, get help from Listeners on 7Cups. Spend quality time one on one, do what you love and enjoy. We often tend to minimize our importance or achievement. Take your time, pat yourself on a shoulder. Make a journal where you will write all the positive and happy things that happened to you during the day. Even the smallest things. Look at it when you feel down, and see that you are doing great and doing great by yourself. Also see your doctor, so they can evaluate you, never take any medication without your doctor approval

I think you should try talking with an active listener here it is free they really help me when I feel depressed due to my depression , anxiety, autism and BDP.

Those are 2 things. For codependency, you can start by consuming books, podcasts, and similar resources. Take notes on the ideas you want to remember, and brainstorm ways to implement them. Personally, niche mental health meme pages helped; if you know your way around the internet, you can find helpful tidbits for free. I've tried FB groups, but maybe there are also Reddit communities. Look for ones that are run by or made up of people who have or used to have the same concerns as you, so they understand where you're coming from. You'd be pleasantly surprised how much people pass around stuff they get in therapy to people over the internet who can't afford therapy. For depression, see if your government or community has free or discounted therapy programs you can avail of. If this feels taxing to you, ask a friend or two to help you with the research.

I would really recommend finding someone you can trust like a family member or a close relative. If you cant do that than talk to people on 7 cups and i am so very sure they can help you out in your situation by comforting you and making you feel better so if you need help ask someone and tell them. everyone here would love to help you anytime you need it so give it a shot you will not regret one single thing you say when you are speaking to us trained listeners and have a great day

I believe the best thing you can do for yourself is to get comfortable with being alone. A lot of the time, being alone and lonely are often considered synonymous when they're really two entirely different concepts. And being ok with being alone and getting in touch with yourself is something that can be genuinely eye-opening. Whether it be through new hobbies you pick up or things you're passionate about, take some time to unplug from the rest of society and plug into what interests you. And of course, writing what you feel to let it all out does provide an outlet that is very much like self-therapy. Hope this helps!