no money, no health insurance, and clinically depressed

i am a full time college student , in my mid-20's. i cannot afford health insurance, as i cannot work full time. i am ineligible for medicaid because i "make too much money" (what a joke).

i was diagnosed with dysthymic depression 12 years ago. i've tried EVERY medication and the ones that have helped always end up not working once i've been on them for so long.

i cannot go on living like this, with cycles of severe depression coming and going. it's been destroying my work and school attendance; thus, making me feel more guilt and depression.

does anyone have any suggestions or know of any affordable medical benefits that cover outpatient psychiatric care & prescriptions? i live in the philadelphia, pa area and i have not been able to find any free psych services (imagine that!)

All 12-step programs are basically free. They pass a basket for donations. Many people do not give any money because they do not have any. Could you qualify for any the the anonymous fellowships? Do you have a history of alcohol abuse? drug use? overeating? Did you grow up in a dsfunctional home, if so ACOA is the place for you. If you are a pure depressive with no other problems then there is EA (emotions anonymous).

There is a little-know self help group that costs next to nothing and achieves miracles like the other groups. It is called Recovery, Inc. It teaches you a type of cognitive therapy. All members are former mental patients or nervous people--so you will be hearing some success stories.

Because of where you live, all of these groups will be found in your area. You can find them in the telephone book or online. My web site can lead you to addresses and times for all of them in the world.

Many of the meetings are open, which means that one can attend and just listen. None of the 12 step meetings will force anything on you. If you are called on in any of the meetings, feel free to just pass.

Had I joined these groups when I first had problems in college, I could have saved myself and many others a lot of misery.

Good Luck,
Jim S

I am also a full time college student and I can't afford to just go out and buy insurance - I was able to get health insurance (pretty cheap) through my school. You could also try calling the student health service or counseling center for a referral.

Forty years ago was in similar situation, my college had a counseling center which provided psyhotherapy for free which I went to for two years. Have you checked this out with your college.