[LONG] Are there any affordable psychologists in the area?

I was a liberal arts major at UT, I graduated in 2012. I suffer from depression/anxiety/suicidal thoughts. I have a job where I get to help people, I also make decent money and have quality insurance which allows me to seek therapy. Here is what I can give you, from what I've learned in counseling and what has worked for me.

1) Make a list of 5 people you can call when you have suicidal thoughts. Even if one of them is 9-1-1 or the suicide hotline. That's two. Think of three others. People care about you, I promise!

2) See a medical doctor on campus, ask them to prescribe you an antidepressant. Zoloft has been a lifesaver, no pun intended. It works for anxiety & depression.

3) If you are drinking alcohol, stop. Do not drink. At all. It only makes your depression worse. This is imperative.

4) Get dressed, do your hair, etc, everyday. Even if you don't feel like it, it will make you feel better.

5) Exercise. Yoga. Go for a walk while listening to a podcast. There's a world out there, and it's pretty amazing. I know it's hard for you to see that right now, but give it a chance.

6) Buy a CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) workbook. Do the exercises. One exercise I found really helpful, A-Z.. write the alphabet down a piece of paper, then write a POSITIVE adjective describing yourself for each letter. athletic, brave, caring, etc..

7) Water colors and coloring books. When I was hospitalized for a suicide attempt, we did art therapy. One assignment was to fold a piece of paper in half, on one side paint or draw how you see yourself, and on the other how others see you. This was a great exercise.

8) Pet therapy! I have a therapy dog now, she is amazing. If you want to spend some time with her, let me know, I'd be totally down to let you have some snuggle time.

9) Do not research suicide. Look for the light, not the darkness.

10) Avoid social media. Comparing myself to people on Facebook only made me feel worse about myself. Remember, people only post their highlight reel and not the outtakes.

11) Volunteer for those less fortunate. Great perspective to be gained, and you will see how much you have to give!

Please reach out to me if you would like to chat, pick my brain, or get some advice. You are not alone.

/r/Austin Thread