” In Depressed Anonymous we are exposed constantly to the tough message that we have to give up our self-pity and sadness if we are to be happy. We have to think in terms of what is possible with God in our lives. Sometimes people come to Depressed Anonymous and can’t understand what this has to do with how bad they feel. If after a number of meetings they still don’t want to work the Twelve Steps, we recommend other groups for them. Depressed Anonymous is a spiritual program and it is allowing the Higher Power into our lives that eventually delivers us from the habit of feeling sad and depressed. We in Depressed Anonymous are committed to working the Twelve Steps and listening to each other share how God , as we understand God, have worked in our lives.
Daily we pray that God will release us from our depression and will show us God’s will and way to peace. Don’t give up on yourself but come back to meetings week after week. In time, the truth about yourself as revealed to you by the group and the Higher Power will set you free. That is a promise.
One of the major areas of our lives that we have a difficult time with, is getting in touch with our feelings. Many of us who are presently depressed know that one of our greatest defenses is the denial of our feelings — our ability to feel is diminished as we continually choose numbness over vitality and spontaneity.”
In Step Three we have to make a decision. We don’t have to feel holy or extra nice but that we only have to make a decision — that is hard for someone who is depressed but it can be done. There is an old saying that goes like this : “Have a nice day unless you made other plans.” SOURCE: Depressed Anonymous, 3rd edition. Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville. Page 50.
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And in section #3.15 of our Depressed Anonymous Workbook we are asked to write out our feelings about the issue of needing to be in control and how that applies to our selves? How has this need to be in control kept you isolated and withdrawn from others and your own understanding of God? Do you have difficulty in trusting others. Even God? Write out your answers.
” I want to start to really begin to turn things order to the God of my understanding. In Depressed Anonymous we call this God our Higher Power.
AS Bill W., said
“We realize we know only a little. God will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask God in your morning meditations what you can do each day for the man/woman who is still sick. The answers will come, if your own house is in order.
But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven’t got. See to it that your relationship with God is right and great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is a great fact for us.”
SOURCE: The Depressed Anonymous Workbook (2002) Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville. Page 17.
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NOTE: YOU Can order the GROUP/HOME STUDY KIT (Includes both The WORKBOOK and the DEPRESSED ANONMOUS MANUAL) at VISIT THE STORE here online. Other Depressed Anonymous literature is also available. Check it out.