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

196 Answers
Last Updated: 04/24/2022 at 3:02pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
July 20th, 2016 1:13pm
There are 12 step programs available through Codependency Anonymous. Although an offering basket is passed, you do not have to pay if you cannot afford it. For depression, there are online support groups as well as Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) available at no cost to you.
AjanMalic
August 18th, 2017 5:37am
Been there. Ain't it fun? When I was struggling most, I started reading CBT books and recovery books like The Zen of Recovery. If you have a tablet or cellphone, you can get some good e-books for free or cheap that will help you to take control of your brain.
Anonymous
August 19th, 2016 6:47pm
talk to someone, maybe friends, family, partner and of course listeners on 7cups .. :)
Anonymous
June 15th, 2018 12:47pm
Try to find something you enjoy doing and try talking to a school counselor or hotline; someone who already has boundaries in place.
TaranWanderer
April 12th, 2017 6:17pm
First, try having a look at the resources in your area. Many places offer free therapy for those who need it, and many schools/jobs have therapy services as well. There are also therapists who work on a sliding scale, so you pay what you can instead of their usual rate. Aside from that, there are online services like 7 Cups, including the self-help guides here. You could also look up methods to dealing with the things you're struggling with, as many people have gone through similar things and have shared what works for them online. Things like challenging negative thoughts, meditation, exercise, reality checking, guided thinking, and gradual exposure can help, and you can learn a lot about them online.
Anonymous
October 26th, 2016 4:35pm
Thinl about why you are you depressed? Its hard to get out of depression. I know and I understand. Try spending time with people who are positive and try to participate in things that interest you.
ThaliaRaven
July 17th, 2016 5:44pm
Reach for someone who can help you with this on 7 Cups. There are many people willing to talk to you for no money at all.
Anonymous
July 31st, 2016 7:45pm
We have therapists on this site that you can talk to! As well, as tons of listeners who can lend an ear.
HelenaofTroy
May 16th, 2018 9:07am
Talk with someone you love, and don't be afraid of worrying them, they prefer to know. They will listen and try to help. If nobody is available near, then we are here as a team to listen to you and give you support.
Allears247
July 25th, 2018 10:23am
There are many online therapists that charge very little to nothing for service. I would do some research and try to find one that accommodates you needs.
UnderTheTableAndDreaming
October 19th, 2019 2:30pm
I have found in my experience that there is a good amount of therapy offices that offer what is called a "sliding pay scale". This is therapy billed at a bare minimum amount. I have had it so cheap that is was $10-$15/session. Some will even offer it for free. They are easy to find through google, or asking for a referral for it from a licensed therapist. Call and inquire once you know. Even going in person is helpful because they will see the need for it. If all else fails, I have found the self help section of Barnes & Nobles, Border's, or a library extremely helpful. These books can be empowering.
warmPudding59
July 4th, 2018 9:49pm
If you work or study, look for a student counseling service or at work you can ask the HR (confidentiality!) or management if they can recommend someone. There are free to call mental health hotlines (not suicide hotlines) and social services which can provide you with information on free group or private therapy settings.
lionBRAVE9977
June 6th, 2019 3:36pm
Think about something that you CAN control despite your status, and go triple down to improve it. is it a sport, a hobby, a thing you enjoy ? depression can occur from not feeling like there is a place for us on this world, but that's really not the case. the answer is in you. think about something that you CAN control despite your status, and go triple down to improve it. is it a sport, a hobby, a thing you enjoy ? depression can occur from not feeling like there is a place for us on this world, but that's really not the case. the answer is in you.
MagnanimousSymphony
July 8th, 2018 3:50am
Well, obviously, 7Cups is a wonderful resource that is both free and on-demand. Aside from that, however, there are therapy-adjacent options available to students, certain employees, and people who live in certain parts of the world. Do some internet digging and you might be able to find something that appeals to you. You can also open up to friends and family and lean on them for support.
TranquilMoonlight
July 23rd, 2016 4:35pm
I've found support groups to be monumentally helpful. They're usually free to attend, and in certain cases they can be more beneficial than therapy. Being surrounded by people who can understand and relate to your struggles is, in and of itself, a self sustainable source of positivity. It would also help you to broaden your perspective as you learn of the challenges others have had to overcome and what they did in the face of adversity. I myself have made lasting friendships from support groups, with individuals I probably would have never interacted with otherwise.
Anonymous
February 15th, 2020 2:46am
Try to see if there are places in your area that offer free therapy sessions. You can come on to 7cups website, and browse the many free programs and services they offer. The website address is https://www.7cups.com There you will find a whole lot of information. You can even become a member of 7Cups membership,cost you nothing at all. The website also has a list of trained listeners,who are caring people,who give of there time to listen. 7Cups has support rooms as well. The rooms are run by Trained Room Leaders. In the rooms, there are listeners,in there who also help out. The members help the other members out,when they can. Hope this helps.
Anonymous
August 3rd, 2016 12:51am
understand your situation and its not an easy one to be in. The question is should you avoid all uncomfortable situations that happen in your life? That being said,its your life. Your parents must take your feelings into consideration as well. As for those church hypocrites you need to stand strong in god.
Anonymous
August 4th, 2016 12:03am
You can go talk to your school councelor and also we here can listen to you. Also maybe you can lend money from your parents etc?
CharlieSharkie
May 11th, 2018 8:26pm
There is bound to be a free help in that you may find beneficial-I'd suggest you check a few of them out. Alternatively, talking to friends might help you!
JoeListener
August 11th, 2016 3:26am
Usually most localities have free or low-cost mental health services (such as clinics or public health offices). Also, many therapists offer sliding scales for low-income clients. Depression, for one, is a serious mental illness that should be treated by a professional, just as if you had a broken leg you would go to a medical doctor. If you still cannot afford treatment, try asking family, friends, church, or other social organizations for help. Once again, mental illness does not typically go away on its own and requires professional treatment to adequately address.
Grangs
August 14th, 2016 4:15am
Go onto this site and let us talk to you with regular appointments, or talk to a family member or friend about yourself.
Anonymous
August 9th, 2018 6:20pm
You should go to a psychiatrist, not a therapist. Only a doctor can help you. The listeners in here will support you. :)
Anonymous
February 16th, 2019 1:53pm
7 cups is a great app to talk to people about things you’re going through. Going to the doctor to get medication is also another choice that would be good. You don’t always need therapy! You can even try talking to friends and family. That could possibly be your therapy if you can’t go see a professional. Letting your feelings out to your friends, family, or even people around you... can be very helpful sometimes. Letting go of what’s in your head is sometimes a good thing. Even if you don’t want to talk about it. It’s always nice!
Brittany8013
July 11th, 2018 3:23am
First of all, good for you for reaching out! Searching for local support groups may be one of your best bets. however, there are also plenty of online resources such as 7 cups of tea, facebook, other forms of social media, crisis lines, etc.
Anonymous
July 12th, 2018 5:46am
Ask a loved one or friend for help. Communicate with them by phone or text. You can't hide from mental illness.
Anonymous
July 22nd, 2018 7:46am
You can get help here. There are so many listeners on 7cups- you can write them and they will help you. But the biggest help is you because I can’t change it when you don’t want to. Just write a listener and see what happens. If you are feeling like nothing helps, please tell your family or friend. You can also call a helpline. Talking also helps.
ingeneousMoment6584
August 8th, 2019 6:19am
Like a moth to the flame, codependency is often exhausting, with feelings of hopelessness when everything you do is either never enough, or not quite right. Learn to trust in others that they can take care of what they need to get done and that they can work their way through their own struggles. You might like to try free or inexpensive online courses that can help break the pattern of behaviour. There may be informative videos from psychologists or counsellors that can help you understand ways to overcome it. Start looking at ways that you can meet your own needs because often codependent people put off taking care of themselves, start with small things that you enjoy and then aim for larger goals.
BellaDearHereToHelp
May 1st, 2019 1:39pm
Come to 7cups like I did. Talk to your parents or friends or other relatives. Utilize healthy coping skills like drawing and music. You can talk to a teacher or a guidance counselor those guys are helpful too. You could also try to get financial help through your school or another government organization that may help pay for your therapy. You could try journaling. Just write down everything you would say if you were talking to a therapist and then read it out loud if that helps. You have to find what works for you and stick with it. I don't know if I was helpful but it's just my opinion...
fairyava
May 16th, 2019 5:57pm
Codependency is a struggle that may be stemming from loneliness, which may be coming from depression. Feeling like you cannot be away from another person is a difficult situation, because it leads to an emptiness when you do happen to be away. Codependency can lead to feelings of insecurity, worthlessness and frustration. Connecting to a listener on 7cups, working through mental health worksheets that you can print out, trying to spend more time focusing on your self-care and trying to connect with other friends are all healthy ways of coping with both codependency and depression. There will always be people there for you who are willing to help, and you have come to the right place.
kindLynx91
April 7th, 2019 8:34am
Talking on 7 Cups to a listener is a good way to slowly think about some of the issues that you are facing. Take the time to reach out for a supportive chat and see how things go. You may find that having someone to listen is helpful in figuring out the feelings of a lack of independence and while the listeners can not specifically advise you of what to specifically do they can help listen to your ideas and thoughts. Having to confidence to move forward means that you are very brave and reaching out to talk to listeners can be a positive experience that helps with your personal journey.