Dear Haoleflip,

That's quite a long story of your young life; and it has been filled with twists and turns all along. One tip that I would offer to you is to get an evaluation for substance abuse - just because weed is "semi-legal" in CO doesn't mean that it is good for you. If you are still using any drugs then it is likely contributing to your depression. In most states, these evaluations are easy to come by. Don't worry about the therapist/clinician being too expensive...I used to believe that the only good therapists are those who cost a lot of money...in fact, I resisted all therapy when I was first depressed, eventually getting help from a social worker at a vet center (I'm a veteran, so this was my option)...try the local office of Catholic Charities or Jewish Family Services. They don't have a "be a member of our faith" requirement, and they work on either a no-fee or sliding-scale basis.

You have come to the right place. Sometimes you get an abrupt answer...take that as it comes...And take the approach to the feedback on here as the esteemed Albert Ellis said about the information given in any therapy session. Everything that is thrown at you is s**t - so, take away what sticks and leave the rest behind...

And before you say that drugs have not been a problem, read your post again about how you gave it all up cold-turkey...if an alcoholic stops drinking but then starts smoking weed, then they are still an addict...

Good luck with your struggles. Stay hopeful...