Hi gowonzu, welcome to the forum. I'm glad you've posted to us. Recognising and accepting that you need some help isn't always easy, so well done you for taking the first step.
Yes professional help can be very expensive. However, there are ways of getting it that can be more affordable. Your GP should really be your first stop. Does your doctor bulk bill? If not, try to find one who does, or a community health centre or clinic.
It might be that a GP will recommend medication. I don't know how you feel about that, but it does help many people, and need not be a lifelong thing. It might just help you get past this rough patch.
Talking therapy, with a psychologist or counsellor is also an excellent line of treatment, and your GP can recommend a mental health care plan that is subsidised under Medicare. It's not free, but you can get up to 10 visits at a discounted rate.
Another option, if you are unable to afford treatment, is to go to your local community health centre and ask about their mental health services. Centres are all different in what they offer, so I don't know what your nearest has. But some I know provide access to counsellors free for people in need, and if not they should be able to advise you on what's available in your area.
Don't let the thought of saying you're depressed or mentally unwell put you off going to a health centre or such. They will be entirely non-judgemental, and they deal with it all the time. Statistics tell us that at any given time, one in five people are experiencing mental illness of some sort.
You could also give our helpline a call on 1300 22 4636. These are professional mental health workers who would be able to give you good direction on what services etc might help you.
Very best wishes to you gowonzu, and I hope you'll keep talking to us here. Sharing experiences with people who also experience them can in itself be an excellent way to help yourself. So feel free if you want to come back and talk more.
Cheers
Kaz
