What do very depressed people with no insurance do?

There are therapists who will see people free or at low cost. Medicaid and other health services may also cover some care.

Or you can go to an emergency room to get care, run up significant health care bills, and declare bankruptcy.

But these days, the health care reform should be kicking in, and it health insurance should be getting more affordable. Look to see if there are any health insurance markets in your state, yet.

If you have your friend research St, John’s Wort that might help. It is prescribed in Europe as an anti-depressant. He has to be careful calculating the dosage and also needs to look up drug interactions.

Also, if I recall correctly, it takes two-three weeks to get into one’s system and be totally effective. My bother used it to good effect for a while.

It’s a pretty sad state of affairs. If they have it together enough to find the resources they might be able to get help on a sliding scale. if they can afford to see a doctor and get a prescription they may be able to get a discount or free meds from the pharmaceutical companies.
The reality is, a lot of them end up in prison or dead.

There are often free resources through the county, or groups such as NAMI and DBSA can be helpful.

I got a lot of emotional support from NAMI when I was trying to find help for my son, but the answer to this question was basically, “When you figure it out, let me know.”

5HTP

I’d recommend this in conjunction with Melatonin at bedtime. One 5HTP with one or two 3mg Melatonin tablets. Then one 5HTP, again in the AM.

My Grandson’s girlfriend has depression and no income. She goes to the free clinic here in Sacramento and they give her the prescriptions and counseling she needs. I believe they helped her fill out the applications for Medi Cal and Medi Care before she started.

I have depression and bipolar and my local mental health agency sees me on a regular basis because they get some kind of grant from the government to take people without means to pay for their treatment. I also get my depression medicine, Cymbalta, free through samples from the office. So see if your local mental health agency has a program that will help you with treatment.

Many people drink.

Exercise is always a good thing, probably better than any herbal remedy.