Okay, so my insurance doesn't kick in at my new job for another month, but I would really like to speak to a therapist about my depression issues. I know this may seem selfish, and like I'm begging, but if there is a therapist on this site, or even someone studying to become one who is willing to do this for free, I'd really like to talk on an instant message program from time to time... Even just once a week would be great.

This is starting to overwhelm my life and needs to stop, but I can't afford to see a therapist yet.

I think here (Texas) it takes a psychiatrist to write meds. Therapist are good for talking, but you might have a brain inbalance like I do. The meds don't make you "happy," they make you "normal."

I'm no doctor, but maybe you need a shrink first???? I don't know. But goooood luck!

Yeah, I know I need meds, and I know a psychiatrist needs to write them out. And I know for sure I have an imbalance. I have a lot of issues with depression and anxiety, but I've been managing without medication for years... It's just getting worse now for some reason.

I guess I should have clarified... Really I'm just looking for some counseling until I can get insurance and see a psychiatrist.

Sorry, I should have been more descriptive.

That's cool as long as you know where you are going. I have the suicide hotline for veterans somewhere if you need it? And yes, I tried that route and it is NOT worth it.

There's gotta be some kind of depression hotlines out there to call. Maybe try something like that?

If he's veteran there is for free. Probably a national hotline too now that you mentioned it.

I've tried that route a few times, and in a few different ways (it obviously didn't work). I'm in a strange way these days. I have no plans of killing myself, but I really don't care if I live or die, which causes me to be reckless at times.

I just feel very alone, and frequently wonder if my absence would be noticed by my family and friends. I've been single for a long time now, and I wonder if that will ever change. I want to remember what it is like to be loved, and not wake up every morning wondering whether or not I'll talk to someone that day. I miss the feeling I used to get when someone who loves me touches me.

I'm extremely empty, I know I've accomplished a lot in the past year, but I still have very low self esteem, and I feel worthless most of the time.

Yes, I'm a veteran of the Army.



I've been searching online for an hour now looking for some sort of live chat counseling that is free of charge. The only thing I've found so far, however, costs $2.50 per minute. I'm looking for some sort of live chat that's actually free, or someone on here that has a therapeutic background.

Try something like this site? http://www.nmha.org/go/find_therapy

There's a crisis hotline on there.

And if you're a veteran, doesn't the VA provide services?

The VA told me that if I want counseling through them I would have to go to the VA clinic, and I'm 3 hours from the nearest one.

And I don't think a crisis hotline is for me. Isn't that for people who are seriously thinking about suicide? I'm just looking for counseling for my depression.

From the website:

In Crisis? 1-800-273-TALK If you, a friend or a loved one is going through a tough time in your life and you need someone to talk to.

And if you really do need counseling, maybe it's time to take that 3 hour drive and what what you need.

Oh, I always understood those to be for people at risk of suicide... Thank you

Good luck to you.

The VA should give him meds for about $7 copay to help his depression too. I don't think he has to be a combat veteran.

The VA will pay you Travel Pay to drive to and from the closest VA Hospital. This is usually just for the initial consultation. If they agree with you that you need a therapist then they will likely find one that will accept the VA's payments for you. Good Luck

Are you sure you don't have a thyriod problem? Have your thyriod checked because that could be a source that causes depression. Read up on it online too, it causes many physical and emotionals problems. Take care.

Also, you might want to check and see if your job has an employee assistance programs. In these programs you can get counseling.

I forgot about travel pay. They payed me each time about $60 for a 90 mile commute. You need to take advantage of your VA promises.

Yeah, I'll have to do that... Thanks for the info. They didn't tell me any of that.

I'm not a therapist or counselor but I did just graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Prior to that I was a 911 operator for nearly ten years so I'm trained how to handle stressful situations. I also can relate to many of the things you stated earlier about being empty and feeling alone. I have the utmost respect for our military members so if you need someone to talk to, please hit me up. I can't promise you that I can solve all your problems, but I can tell you that I will listen and do my best to help you figure things out. Again, I'm not a licensed therapist so this is strictly a friendly offer from one mingler to another. Send me an email if you want and maybe we can make arrangements to meet online at a certain time each week...