Not Sure Where to Start

This is my first effort to face my issues with depression and anxiety and it's a little overwhelming to know where to start. I haven't seen a doctor and I'm not clinically diagnosed with any disorders. It's more of a self-diagnosis and I don't really know if medication is right for me. I'm considering actually seeing a therapist, but decided to see how this site can help me first. I just don't know where to begin...?

Hello Akira00, welcome to Psych Central.

I see from your introduction post in the new member forum that the members have given you links to our depression and anxiety forums. They are very useful and you'll find lots of support and understanding there. Here are some links all about anxiety Anxiety, Panic and Phobia Center - Psych Central and depression Depression Symptoms, Information and Treatment - Psych Central

You also might like to try the online quizzes. Psychological Tests and Quizzes

The best treatment for either is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. You've made a big leap forward in joining here!

I find that talking to people on here helps, even its not about our various disorders. I'm in a similar situation as you, I have been suffering from depression for years...but never was officially diagnosed. A few years ago I did attempt to go see a counselor (never wanted to go on meds unless it got extreme) but the insurance I had at the time didn't cover the person I was suppose to see and I just never found the courage to try again.

I definitely recommend talking to people who understand.

Hello dear Akira00 and a big WELCOME back to the ''fold''!! Yes, I believe it's ALWAYS good to talk, about anything. As you quite rightly said, it doesn't have to be about our various disorders etc. I think maybe it's time to see a ''professional'' mental health person or a Psych Dr if you have access to one. I don't know what your issues/disorders are but ''IF'' you do have something going on then a diagnosis would be beneficial really. I say that because if you don't have a diagnosis, you have no right or need to treatment. How about starting by having a good browse round Psych central and see what catches your eye. There's the forums and also the on going threads to check out. You'll find someone in the same situation as you hunny. I hope to see you around PC soon!! HUGS. XXXXXXXXXXX

I think that your feeling you could use some help, and actually looking into the insurance, is a valid reason to go. You don't have to be out of control, and extreme, to "deserve" seeing a Counselor. It's great to talk here and with understanding friends, but a therapist gives all attention to your needs for an hour, and knows how to answer questions about deeper or more personal thoughts than your friends do. If you still have insurance of any kind, you could call the company for a list therapists they have in your area. Some insurance cos. have a separate service for mental health that is way more than your provider list that came in the mail or is on-line.
What I did to get started was to pick out a therapist I looked into on-line and changed my insurance to the insurance she carried. It was that important to me. And I'm so glad to have someone trained to listen to just me, encourage me, and steer me through my problems and questions about my life.
I hope you can work things out, and coming here for help is good, too.

Waggiedog, you mentioned Akira00 has no right to treatment without a diagnosis, but didn't you mean she has no insurance authority to treatment without doctor's paperwork? It's true insurance won't pay without being placed in a diagnostic category, and I think that's what you were saying. But she could go on her own for any reason, right?