As a bankruptcy lawyer, I see a lot of people who have been knocked down by life. Filing bankruptcy can get you back on your feet financially, but other problems might still hold you down.
One of those problems can be depression.
When life knocks you down, there can be changes in the chemistry of your brain. When things get better–when filing for bankruptcy stops the financial pressure–the brain is still damaged.
I’m a lawyer. My law degree is from the University of Maryland. It’s called a Juris doctor. That Latin means I’m a “doctor of justice.” I’m a bankruptcy lawyer, not a medical doctor. I’m not a good place to go for medical advice.
But I think its my job to speak up when I think people need to go for medical advice. If you have medical insurance, my advice is simple. Go talk to your doctor.
If you don’t have insurance, that’s tougher. The prescription anti-depressant medications can be very expensive, without insurance. What can you do?
I’m told that the county mental health clinics clinics can help you get low cost of free medications if you don’t have insurance. The website for Prince William county is here: http://www.pwcgov.org/default.aspx?topic=010009000890000647
There is also an herbal remedy. Studies, especially in Germany, show that St. John’s Wort works as well as many of the expensive prescription anti-depressants. And with fewer side effects. (Studies in other countries have not been as positive, so the popularity of St. John’s has dropped in recent years.)
The advantage is that you can buy it in the vitamin section of any of the pharmacies or grocery stores around here. It’s about $20.00 for a months supply.
I know a number of people who say they have been really helped by it. This includes bankruptcy clients, and members of my family.
OK, that’s it. Talk to your doctor. I’m a bankruptcy lawyer.
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