I spoke to a lady this evening who is in her 60's and is suffering from depression. She acknowledges that something needs to be done to remedy the situation and also recognises that the depression is not one of a chemical imbalance. It seems that she is feeling quite depressed because of bad choices made when she was younger and also recently left her boyfriend. She is in no position to pay for professional help. Any suggestions on what can be done in a 'self-help' way? I have already organised for her to be doing some meditation training but any other advice would be appreciated

nootropics are anti-depressants

The problem getting hold of nootropics for her would be the availability (Vietnam).
However I can ask around. What do you recommend for helping?

galantamine, but LifeMirage would be the person to ask.

From my extensive reading on depression (though I hasten to add no expert and with no medical qualifications!), when it is caused by lifes events, counselling is the most valuable long-term solution. This can be by a counsellor, a psychotherapist or a psychiatrist. In Vietnam it may have to be just a very good friend who is, above all else, a good listener and non-judgmental.
Nonetheless, I think antidepressants of whatever sort (though I prefer doctors prescriptions) gives short term relief and needed respite whilst counselling takes effect.

I'm sorry for her current situation. It would appear her social life is the main factor in her depression. Meeting new friends, and possibly (when ready) a new boyfriend would be a good goal. Also aside from a healthy diet, moderate exercise can be helpful. Medication of any type she has access to would be recommended due to the serious nature of depression.

You need to relieve the root problem, which is in essence, counselling. For most cases, events that cause depression are suppressed by the sub-conscious mind. You need to either help her to come to terms with the fact that what she done in the past has already happened, but she can learn from the past and make her future a better one.

I may also try art therapy, art is therputic, stress relieving and overall it makes for good health. This is an easy alternative to trying psycho-intensive therapy and counselling, which as you said - she cannot afford. My first recommendation Culture, is to get some cheap art supplies and teach her to draw or paint, rather if you are not so talented in that area, simply draw or paint with her.

Its not about making good art, its about allowing the emotions of the person to be reflected on the art as a means of expression. Certainly dont focus on making the art perfect, especially in the beginning stages, focus on simply making art. Art allows for the creative and emotional states to express themselves and it distracts the person from the depressing problems they are facing.

Social interaction is also good, Bingo nights are good and cheap, even a game of scrabble can help. The more the person can focus on good things and enjoyable things in their life, the less depressed they become. Its important for her to keep busy, otherwise she will have nothing to do but be miserable. If you give her something to distract herself with, to get away from her problems - then you at least start some healing.

To the average person, they will think - this is just suppressing the problems and turning the other way. However, the more astute person will note that in order to deal with depressing memories, the sub-conscious mind simply erases them all together. In other words, if a memory gives the conscious mind harm, the sub-conscious forgets it all together. So, by giving the sub-conscious a chance to deal with the problem - you can relieve stress off of the conscious mind.

Furthermore she cannot afford the intensive counselling required to come to terms with such memories - so its better to have something to relieve the problem, than do nothing. Art therapy has been very successful in hospitals and has a very good track record of results. Also, studies have shown that art in hospitals creates a higher recovery rate (both psychological and mental) than hospitals without art.

Creativity is great mental stimulation and can cause the release of neuro-chemicals that will fight depression.

For food, Bananas trigger neuro-chemicals that work like endophines and make a person feel happier.

Besides that Culture, if she is willing to try hypnosis I could write a hypnosis script that would make her feel better, Hey! that gives me an idea, there is a second method to hypnosis, unknown and more longterm. She would not have to do actual hypnosis, just repeat some words to herself in the morning and at night. At the end of 30 days, her depression should be gone or reduced. Ask her if she would be willing to read some words Culture, every morning and every night, trust me this stuff works... ive experimented with it for other purposes.

On that note, art and meditation are all I use whenever im feeling down. After four hours of drawing I cant help but feel good, meditation helps me resolve any issues I have in the back of my mind.

I would recommend picking up a logotherapy book~No need for a therapist, just some self reflection.

Please note that I am an ignorant 17 year old male and am in no real position to lend advice.

I think Culture already has self-reflection covered in meditation.