Help and advice during an intesive depresive episode

[Kumonryu]

Hello everyone!
I am a new member here.
I have suffered from anxiety, depression and other health issues for quite some time now.

I live in a country (eastern europe) where it is really hard to get emergency help, when experiencing an intensive dark episode of anxiety, depresion and suicidal thoughts. There are no emergency phone lines (i don't even know how these work...) and very few specialized on-line resources.

How can I cope when in a situation like that?! Are there any "survival" techniques? Could you share some of your experiences - what helped you, when you were at the bottom?
I really don't know even how to approach this problem; in our culture it is kind of shameful to have mental issues and seek help. Everyone would just tell you to "get it together", but I guess you know it is not working like that....
Even here, I feel kind of consious, that I might sound really stupid with a question like that. I suppose I just need someone to listen to me and acknowledge that what I feel right now is real...Does this make me selfish or self-centred?

P.S. Calling familly or a friend is not an option, I have tried. Also, going to the movies and for a walk also does not work - health issues keep me at home currently.
I have contucted a mental health professional and I am taking medication. But I take it from less than a month and obviously it needs more time, since I am still experiencing these episodes.

[100footpole]

Kumonryu,

Your English is very good. How did you learn to write so well? What is your native language? Do you have access to books? Have you looked up "survival techniques for depression" on the internet? What did you find? What were your thoughts?

[Kumonryu]

Thank you so much 00footpole!

I studied abroad and I guess that helped for my English.

Of course, there is a lot of self-help literature, on-line resources and so on. They offer some good advice, but usually it is too general and not so helpful (at least in my opinion).

I was more curious to hear real stories of people who have been through extreme depressive episodes with suisidal thoughts - how did they menage? What are their survival techiniques and what happened after?

Would you like to share some of your experience (not that I hope you have had such a bad experience, of course!!)