I would like to hear from those who are pulling out of depression and anxiety without medication or therapy. I am committed to doing this even if difficult but I have days when I am not sure it is possible. Most days I think it is possible but very difficult. I had a very bad reaction to SSRI's and am not willing to go that route again. I have taken benzos in the past for anxiety, with no adverse side effects, but my present GP will not prescribe them, and will not prescribe any alternative medication. She told me to exercise. That was it. I am taking multi-vitamins, omega 3, and drink one high-protein green smoothie daily. I sleep okay. My GP told me to take Benadryl if I can't sleep. I don't think taking an over-the-counter anti-histamine is a great idea. I can't change GP's because of my insurance plan. My symptoms are social isolation, anxiety about interviewing for jobs, and constant "worry-loop" about money. I have never been hospitalized for mental illness. In fact, I have worked in the field of mental illness. At first I thought I just had a bad case of "burn out" and "compassion fatigue" from my job(s) and I took some time off. I also was going through the various stages of grief after my only sister's untimely death. But I didn't bounce back after a few months. I continue to stay in touch with my GP through a message service. I have had a problem with hair loss the last 4 months which my GP thinks is due to stress, and inadequate protein in my diet. I have a master's degree. I feel I should be confident, but my level of confidence has dropped to zero. This strikes me as strange as never before have I experienced such low self-esteem and lack of confidence. Although I have battled with depression off and on throughout my life I always managed to get back on track within about 6 months. However, this latest depression has led into daily anxiety, moderate agoraphobia, and morning panic attacks. It has also been prolonged, going on now for 18 months. I am bored, sick and tired of being in this state and need to move out of it.It has affected my creativity and I cannot write, which is a side career I have been developing. I have a book project I dropped and cannot get back to, and I am very distressed about it. If this depression-with-anxiety is "situational" I am wondering if it will go away if my situation improves. I would like feedback on others who have experienced situational depression. I have gone to family and friends (via email and phone calls because they do not live near me) but they seem to not understand the severity of my situation. What I keep thinking is, "I used to have a life. Where did it go?" and "How can I get it back?" I have not gone for therapy because I don't have the best insurance coverage for it, and in the past I have not found it particularly helpful. I have had one accomplishment in the past year - I successfully quit smoking. I feel that my anxiety grew after I quit smoking and I am now working towards my 10th month of not smoking. I hope this will get better after a year. I am working on coping skills, and increasing mental strength and frustration tolerance. I have no pets and living alone is a major stress. Any specific feedback on how others have coped - especially if not on medication - will be helpful. I specifically need to break the worry-loop. Thank you.