Question

I was diagnosed with chronic depression some time ago and I realise that I am having a recurrence. But I have not been in my job for long enough to be eligible for medical benefits, and I cannot afford to pay for doctor's bills. It takes all my effort and strength to make it to work everyday, then when I come home I just want to pull the covers over my head until the next day when I have to get up again. I ache all over, and there are times I wonder if it is all worth it. Where can I go for help?

Answer

We are extremely concerned about your question and about your health. It certainly seems to be true from what you tell us that there are major problems with your health and that you require treatment as soon as possible. Although there is no national free health service in your country, there should still be places for you to obtain the help that you need. Your doctor should be able to advise you what to do, if you explain the problem. Your doctor ,or the local psychiatric hospital, should be able to suggest a community psychiatric nurse who may meet you at a far lower cost than doctors. Or there may be counsellors or charitable or self-help organisations that can help. Many of these organisations do not require a fee. Finally we would strongly advise you to talk to somebody about your problem and preferably somebody who is close to you such as a family member or a friend. However if you do not have such a person then may be somebody at work would be appropriate or there may be a work nurse or doctor who you could approach.

Links

• help and support for depression