Mental Health

Call Catholic Charities
and Jewish Federation
these are the 2 main agencies that I can think of-
they can point you in the direction of various clinics, etc
not religious ones necessarily, unless that's what you are looking for
either way, just google each one followed by the name of the city/neighborhood where you live

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You didn't say where you live, but my sister doesn't have coverage either, had a really bad period not too long ago and had a lot of friends trying to source help for her.

She ended up going to the Center for Group Counseling in West Boca. If I remember correctly, their group sessions were free and those with an analyst were only $15 or something.

I'll also second the moms who suggested your church if you've one that you are comfortable with.

Also, I don't know anything about its quality of effectiveness, but Florida has a 211 (toll free emergency service) that hooks you up with people if you're at the breaking point. It *supposedly* is staffed with people trained in crises management, who will talk you out of whatever state you seem to be in, figure out what, exactly it is that you need, and then get you connected with that agency or organization. It's supposed to be for people who are suicidal or about to cause harm to themselves or others, but I'm sure that they're equipped for non-emergencies as well. They may be worth a quick call (if for no other reason than to see how well the system is working.

-Scott (Husband to S. and father to Mattie and Mitch)

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It is so good that you are seeking help.
I have a few suggestions.
Find a local church. All churches offer free counseling and some have groups that deal with depression.
Also excercise gives off natueral indorfins ( spelt wrong) start walking with the baby. either in the morning or evening is best. Make it your time.
I also had a bad childhood and found these to work.

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Hi S T
My name is B. and I will tell you that I can empathize with you and the depression thing. I have what they call situational depression and it has been a really big hardship for the last twenty years of my life but I seem to have a handle on it right now. I don't take any meds at all but I can tell you that you can look into some of the natural products that they have on the market today for a start. B complex has been a help to me too. I feel for me that it has been a great deal of self talk that has helped too. I counter the stinking thinking that comes with this depression stuff. I would like to suggest one thing though...go to the local hospital and talk to the social worker and see what she can do to get you hooked up with affordable mental health support. I can tell you too that alot of the self help programs such as Alanon can benefit people that have issues too. You may never have had alcohol in your life but that program can teach you alot about lifting yourself up and moving into a new way of living and thinking. I did that and I am a recovering alcholic so the AA program helped me so much in finding new ways of living and thinking. Anything that you can do that will enhance positive living can and usually will help the issues that keep one depressed and out of step with the flow of healthy and wholesome living. I am a 64 year old woman that raised three children alone for seventeen years, worked with raising my seven grandchildren for fourteen years so I know what that depression thing can do to ones spirit and ability to offer the wee ones your best. I wish you love and peace and joy my dear and just know that there is light at the end of this seemingly dark and sometimes hopeless feeling tunnel. Please feel free to talk to me here and know that I am a good listener as well as a good old gabber too. Life is good for me today. I love each day even when I find me feeling bleak...I put on my best attitude and keep on trucking. It is easier to do once the children are raised then when you are in the midst of working to do all the right and healthy things for the little ones. God be with you dear and trust Him for the miracle of a better life and day. Enjoy the moment..it is what counts anyway...love you dear and hope that the suggestion of speaking to a social worker at the hospital will help you out. Have a super day, B.

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I recommend that in addition to seeking professional help, you try to be your own 'shrink' and do a lot of self-analysis, reach out for help and advice from wise friends, avoid things that stress you or are negative (which might include watching TV news or crime shows or anything negative and depressing). Try to surround yourself with good news and positive energy, even if you have to write yourself nice notes. Go to a good church, churches often offer free counseling, try to read some helpful books, begin to EXERCISE a lot!, and above all go to a good doctor for medication such as anti-depressants to get you thru this difficult time and also get checked for thyroid hormone level or something physical that could be causing the depression.
Good luck and try to find some joy and fun in life - its not easy but try to find at least one thing every day for yourself to enjoy - be your own friend. I have made it thru some difficult times in the past with anxiety and panic attacks, which isnt like depression but it is sort of similar because its 'mental' but very physical - stay strong for your kids and you will get past it with help and prayer.

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S T
There's a lot you discuss happening for such a short time frame. It can all get over whelming at times. As an opinion, maybe you should find some part-time small get away from the kids and house job. It will help you keep your sanity.
As for an expert on therapy or council??????


GOD
He's free, always avaiable and will always give you the answer you seek. The best medicine I've every had in my life.! Prayer can be done anywhere, and you'll never forget the bottle at home. Refills are avaiable 24/7. No holiday breaks to worry about and hours of operation. I'm telling you 24/7 means any time any where!!!!!!!!!
Looking for a good church? If yur around the Ocoee area check out Glad Tidings. Wonderful place to seek him whom can fix anything!

Bless you and may you find peace sister, in Christ.

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I'm not sure about insurance, but I highly recommend Dr. Malcom Roberts and Dr. Jose Quinones in Winter Park. My 14 year old son sees Dr. Roberts and my parents and I were all seen by Dr. Quinones for several years starting 19 years ago when I was 15. They are both wonderful. They do not participate with our insurance, but I am more than willing to pay the $75 a session for my son to be seen there. Their number is ###-###-####.

We have also just started with a great Christian counselor as well. Dr. Brian Campbell is wonderful. His number is ###-###-####.

I know all about depression. I have suffered from it most of my life, especially after my second child was born. It was horrible. I thank the Lord that I don't seem to be suffering from it anymore now that my 4th child has been born. I'm no longer on medication and I'm able to deal with things. I hope that things will get better for you. My prayers are with you.

H. R.
www.theflutterbyshoppe.com

Please look up the Devereaux center. They are based by income, they have great counselors and Psychiatrists. The payments per session can be as low as $20 and they are conveniently located. There is one at the east side, which I went to myself and there is another in Winter Park off of I4. I don't have the number but if you look them up you will find it. I understand what you are going thru and how hard it is fighting depression.

Dr. Jason Finder is in the Jupiter area (not sure where you are); he is great. He is one of the few psychiatrists who also do therapy and not just prescribe the meds. I am sure it will not be cheap, but you get the psychopharmocology and the therapy all in one. Depression is so common as I am sure you already have heard.....it is such a difficult illness to have. BUT - you can get better!

This might sound crazy but I've heard that the Salvation Army has the best thing going for helping with situations just like yours. I know how overwhelming your life is, I just had our third as well and there are lots of days that I wonder if I'm equipt to give my kids a good childhood b/c mine stunk. Hang in there. Florida can be great if you get some good friends that are in the same boat as you are and understand what you're going through.

st: You may want to contact the U of Miami institute for Family Living ###-###-####; the fees are based on a sliding scale. I came across this info ; I am not mental health expert but I had heard good things about them over the years.

How are you doing? I read your old post from Jun 9th about depression and am checking up on you.

I've battled depression for a long time, and it totally sucks. I know where you're coming from, and I hope you are doing better.

If you ever need an ear, I'm here.

J.
###-###-####

p.s. I'm a 26 year old SAHM of two toddlers. Lived in Orlando my whole life, and have just been through it all it feels like. My father died a while ago, but that alone took me 12 years to cope with.. him and I were very close, so I can relate somewhat.

Hi S T,
I too recently moved from across the country. I was born and raised in SLC, Utah. I spent several weekends in Las Vegas and have some of my best friends who live there. I too love Florida! Honestly, the best thing for depression is exercise. I know you have probably heard that before, but it is very true. When you take depression medicine it is playing with your hormones, if you exercise for even a few minutes each day it releases more endorphins and will really help. I am not the best example of exercise, though my husband does a GREAT job with it! I enjoy taking my baby and going for a long walk on the beach. If you go to either Fort Lauderdale or I prefer Hollywood Beach, there is a really nice broadwalk where you can walk and enjoy the beach and get some exercise too.

As far as a dr. I am sure you will get a lot of referrals, but try walking first.

Dear S T:
My name is B. and I am a 34 yr. old SAHM of three preschoolers. I do not know of any insurance, nor do I have a good psychiatrist in the area. I have battled depression, for 20 years. It comes and goes depending on what is going on in my life. I have been anti-depressant free for years and I no longer see a professional. I have been managing my depression with relationships. I feel it coming and try to keep it at bay. I've come to realize through the years that I cannot find help in those who are closest to me. I have to strike up a new relationship and this helps because it seems as though it's a fresh new person to share with who doesn't have expectations or is not biased. A new friend gives you something to look forward to. My depression can definately be triggered be a mundane life when I feel like I'm in a rut of kids and laundry and husband. I thought that maybe since you just moved to the area, you might feel a little secluded and lonely. (?)
I know that is not exactly what you were looking for, but I hope maybe it helped a little.
Let me know if there's anything I can do to help you.
B.

what part of Florida do you live in ? I am in Lake County.

I would agree with the other ladies: exercise is a great way to deal with depression. Also, try fish oil. There are other supplements that can work just as effectively as antidepressants: SamE, B vitamins, etc.. I have an article in my office that lists some of these supplements but can't remember what they are. If you are at all interested in this route please email me and I'll be happy to give you more info.

It seems to me that there is an underlying reason why you are having this chemical imbalance. If it's postpartum depression, it may be due to a hormonal imbalance. If you take care of that, you will help the depression. Also, it seems as though you have a lot of other stressors (father dying, moving, horrible childhood, postpartum, etc.). I would suggest a good therapist. I'm not sure if there are any sliding scale agencies in your area, but that would be your best bet if you can't pay out of pocket. See if there is a Jewish Family Services or Catholic Social Services: you don't have to be either of those religions to utilize their services and the services are not based on religion. I don't know if you have 211 in your area, but you can try and ask them for agencies that provide counseling. Good luck!

Hi I'm also a mother of three and have lost me father (to suicide). I also have depression because of that. I too had a hard childhood and Know alot about what you must be going through. Have you thought about going through church for therapy? I haven't seeked out any help for myself because I cope in other ways. Have you tried filing for medicaid? I'm sorry that I'm not of much help. But if you ever want to talk to someone please feel free to email me and maybe we can get together some time. My email is ____@____.com (yes I'm a yankees fan lol) I'll be praying for you..

Hi ST-I am so sorry you are going through this---what part pf Florida are you in? I know a wonderful person, but, she is in Brevard County (right across from the beach though---so, it may be a nice break as well everytime you take a trip to see her). Let me know if you would like her info! Thinking of you....E.