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From the social stigma associated with "being in therapy" to the high cost of healthcare (and the lack of providers willing to cover counseling), there are many reasons people choose not to seek professional help when life becomes too much to handle. While there is no real substitute for the experience and education of a trained professional, there are many ways one can bring problems to a manageable level.

1) Build a support network of friends and family. This is vital; one of the primary reasons professional counseling is effective is because there is a need to talk about things, and to have other viewpoints and alternatives suggested. Sometimes just a fresh outlook on a situation can go a long way toward improving it.

2) Join a support group. Sometimes friends and family just aren't enough, particularly if you're going through a major crisis. In some instance, such as the death of a loved one, your usual network of support will be trying to cope with the issue themselves, and will be too close to the situation to provide the support you need. By all means, be there for each other, but seek support from others as well, especially those who've gone through the same or similar trials. If you can't find a local group or lack the time or means necessary to attend, check online. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of legitimate websites offering support groups.

3) Meditation. Note that this is not necessarily sitting in a lotus position and chanting "ohm". Meditation can also take the form of turning your thoughts inward, quietly examining them, and dealing with them one at a time. It's also an escape from the rush and noise of everyday life, and sometimes that in itself is what's really needed to deal with stress and anxiety.

4) Hug a beloved pet. Silly as it sounds, studies show that those with pets are less likely to suffer severe episodes of depression. Sometimes, just knowing that there's a living creature depending on you to care for it is enough to keep you going when you feel like you can't.

5) Think of the future. This is hard sometimes when life has you really down, but force yourself to do it. Set goals, and make plans to reach them. Imagine how you'll feel when you reach each goal, and what benefits you'll receive from it. Having something attainable to look forward to can give your life more meaning.

6) Don't be afraid to feel and to cry. Don't avoid the issue thinking it will go away. It won't, until it's dealt with. Ignoring it leaves it sitting in the back of your mind, in your subconscious, where it can and will effect your health. Whether alone or with a friend nearby to offer support, let it out. It won't make everything better, but it goes a long way toward keeping things from getting worse.

In addition to the above suggestions, remember that there are crisis support lines at nearly every hospital, suicide hotlines in every city. If you feel completely overwhelmed, never be afraid to call. They're strictly confidential, free, and set up specifically for those times when you feel there's nowhere else to turn.

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