Thank you all so much for the help! Your advice has given me hope. I contacted the Gulf Coast Mental Health Center today. They told me to come in to talk to them. I filled out all the forms and I qualify on a sliding scale basis. Due to my income I am also more than likely eligible for free medication. (I am not on medicaid, they wouldn't approve me for it.) I am so relieved. My first appointment is on the 23rd with the therapist. I only pay $15 per visit and with getting free medication it is something I can definitely afford. They also have a 24 hour crisis hotline I can call in the middle of the night if need be. They also said that if I really need to come in before the 23rd, they would fit me in somehow. It is SUCHHH a relief to finally know that I am going to get help. I have suffered with depression for so long I don't know what it feels like to be normal. I am tired of feeling down all the time, feeling like life is hopeless. I know my depression is affecting my kids. Being so far away from family and being the only real adult in their lives for support has taken a toll on them also. So getting help is not only for me, it's for my kids sanity as well.

Once I begin treatment and talking with the therapist, I may move back to Ohio with my family. I was thinking about doing it before school started but I really had no motivation at all. Also I am so scared to make such a huge decision when I'm feeling so depressed. I didn't think it was such a good idea to make such a major decision right now. Plus the finances put a damper on moving everything 900 miles. I really think once I begin treatment and start feeling normal again, I can make the decision with alot more confidence.

This board looks like it will also be a great help. I just really want to thank you all so much for your advice. I had no idea where to start and I desperately need help. (((((hugs)))))

Deanna