You don't have to think about meds like, "OK, now I am on pills for the rest of my life." Sometimes it's healthy to have a little medicated vacation to help you get a footing. (although, follow doctor's orders, 'cause some of that stuff needs tapering/weaning)
Does seeing a therapist appeal to you, at all? They can really help you find coping mechanisms, as well as help figure out what drug works best for you and whether you need something for long-term/daily use, or short-term/occasional use.
I know a lot of them are willing to work on a sliding scale, and there even might be some available for free through local gov't for low income.
Also, I can't push journalizing enough on people, but that's just because it helped/helps me. I would freewrite my heart out onto a couple pages of a notebook, and then rip the pages out and burn them(or soak them under water when fire was a bad idea). I had a lot of PTSD/anxiety/whatever stuff that would keep repeating itself in my head and this was a good way to slow it down and process it somewhat.
I hope I don't sound preachy or anything. I had a really hard time a while back and I get sympathy pains when I hear about other people going through shit, and I just want to offer help.