"Find a doctor" is the first thing most books about ADD/ADHD, Anxiety or Depression tell you to do! I'm still arguing with myself over this, especially since I am NOT a professional of any kind.
Your journal, however, is going to provide you with the symptoms to give a doctor. Therefore, I feel decent about putting the journal first.
GOAL # 1:
Tell him or her what's going on with you. If she/he doesn't volunteer to run a bunch of tests, ask for them. You might be surprised at the number of problems that have "depressive symptoms" or, in some cases, cause depression and/or anxiety.
When the testing is done, your doctor should explain the results to you. If he/she doesn't find any physical problems, or there are some but you want/need further care, ask her/him to recommend a psychiatrist and/or a therapist.
GOAL # 2:
What? What can you do if you can't afford to see a psychiatrist because your health plan doesn't pay for that type of treatment (or doesn't pay more than half)?
If this is the situation you're in, find the regional center for "Behavioral Health" closest to you and call for an appointment. Most of these will base your fee on your income. In many cases, you will go through an intake evaluation but that is just answering questions that all medical places are going to ask. Once that's done, you will receive an appointment to see a doctor or therapist and the bills should be based on your income.
A lot of these places require that you see their doctor(s) and one of their therapists. You should have both, at least to start out. Ask the doctors what medicine(s) he/she recommend(s). Remind her/him of your financial situation if needed and be sure to ask if there are samples. Be sure to tell your therapist you want Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which teaches you to fight negative thoughts with positive ones!
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