If you have been diagnosed with depression, or if you even think that you might be suffering from the disease, the cost of treatment alone is enough to further your agony. A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania and Vanderbilt University found that the average cost of treating depression for 16 months with medications is $2,590 and the average cost for treatment with cognitive therapy is $2,250. With one out of every five adults experiencing a mental health disorder in any given year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, millions of Americans are unnecessarily suffering because they cannot afford the high cost of treatment. There is hope on the horizon, though, as the number of free or low cost treatments are increasing to allow every American the right to reclaim happiness in their life.

The options listed below, however, are not solely reserved for individuals who have been diagnosed with clinical depression. Most of us, at some point in our lives, will feel sad or anxious or just can't seem to find the joy in life anymore. Though there is a host of reasons that can contribute to these feelings, from lack of exercise to vitamin deficiencies, often it just takes a change in a thought pattern or the chance to talk your problems out with someone in order to make a dramatic difference in the way you're feeling. The following resources can help you cope and give you valuable advice.

If you're one of the millions of Americans who are feeling so blue that you're wondering whether or not you could be suffering from a mental health disorder, National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) is your opportunity to receive a diagnosis free of charge. Held every year during Mental Illness Awareness Week in October, this year's NDSD occurs October 7, 2004. On this day, thousands of facilities across the country perform free of charge mental health screenings for disorders such as depression and anxiety, give out educational literature and give referrals for treatment options in the mental health system. For a list of participating sites, call 1-800-520-NDSD (6373) or visit mentalhealthscreening.org.

You can also receive a low cost diagnosis and/or treatment through many state's social agencies and mental health authorities. Often, the cost of therapy and even prescriptions is figured on a sliding scale basis according to your family income. Contact your Social Services Department to find out what options are available in your area.

Many employers offer a free of charge Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in their benefits package. These programs are designed to help the employee deal with stresses in their life, whether personal or work related, so that the employee's work productivity doesn't suffer. While it sounds selfish on the employer's part, it is nevertheless a wonderful way to receive free counseling and possibly a diagnosis with total confidentiality. EAPs typically have a limit on the number of times you can visit a practitioner, but you might only need a few visits to start to feel back to normal.

Colleges and universities usually have counseling centers to help their students of all ages and the treatment is either free or low cost. Contact the student health services department or the resident assistants in a dormitory.

Churches and places of worship also have counselors who you can talk to for free or at a reduced charge. You might not even need to be a regular member of the church to receive the benefits.

If you've been diagnosed with clinical depression and opt to take medications for treatment, you should be aware of several natural health supplements that have shown promise in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. St. John's Wort is perhaps the best known and has been used for centuries. In Germany, it is used in the treatment of depression more than any other antidepressant. Other remedies, such as SAM-E, gingko biloba and ginseng, offer relief as well with fewer side effects and less expense. For instance, the out-of-pocket expense recently for a one month supply of 20 mg. of Prozac on Drugstore.com, which already offers discounted prices, was $91.99, with the generic version costing $33.99, while a two month supply of St. John's Wort, 500 mg., sold for $5.29. As with the use of any herbal supplement, though, you should always consult your family physician or a natural healthcare provider first.

If you're more comfortable with using prescription antidepressants, be sure to ask your doctor for samples of any medication you're taking. A doctor could give you a two-week supply of samples, which would save around $40 of your out-of-pocket expense. Be sure to ask your doctor about the drug company's programs to help the low income and elderly in affording medication. You can also call 800-PMA-INFO or visit helpinghands.org for a list of companies that offer assistance with medication costs.

Depression is a serious illness and should never be left untreated or treated haphazardly because of the cost of treatment. However, if you are able to find economical ways to deal with clinical depression, or if you just need a little lift to overcome an emotional slump in your life, you can easily take a financial burden off of your shoulders with these cost-effective ideas. For more information on mental health disorders, as well as checklists of symptoms and signs, visit nimh.nih.gov or pfizerforwomen.com/hc_mhealth_00.asp.

Kimberly Button is an uninsured freelance writer in North Carolina who strives to find the most economical and effective ways to deal with medical issues.

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