MY LIFE BEFORE
Running out of gas is a scary proposition, especially when you know the nearest town and gas station is fifty miles away. Your mind starts cranking up some o f the most dire scenarios one can imagine . Running out of gas has not been a problem for me in recent years. I have learned that it’s best to keep an eye on one’s gas gauge. That usually takes care of any problems of being stranded on the highway.
For me, being depressed is like running out of gas. Even though I was going about my life as usual, I began noticing my energy level (physical gauge) was reading close to empty. This didn’t cause much concern at first and I kept plodding along. I didn’t give the thoughts too much attention.
Suddenly, yes, it was suddenly like some huge hand reached into my head, turned the mental ignition switch off, with my life spiraling down into a bottomless pit. I was out of gas, emotionally, spiritually and motivationally paralyzed. My battery was dead and my tank was empty. What to do?
MY LIFE NOW
“The important thing to remember about depression is that you are not a victim. You have bought into the belief that you can’t change how you feel. You need to believe that once you change the way you think then that in itself can begin to produce a change in the way you feel.”
It’s been more than 30 years since I spiraled into the bottomless pit. I continue to live, one day at a time, with the strength that daily replenishes me with hope and confidence. That strength I call my Higher Power, or my God as I understand God. (Step Two).
My battery is charged by those others in the Fellowship of Depressed Anonymous who as my companions on this broad highway of recovery, who speak the language of hope. Each time that I read and reflect on the thoughts in the big book of Depressed Anonymous (Depressed Anonymous, 3rd edition) and stay in touch with a weekly meeting and my sponsor, I find my strength and resolve renewed.
If you are visiting this website for the first time or the hundredth time, know and believe that you too CAN rise up and resist all those hopeless and helpless thoughts trying to crowd out these new feelings of hope and resolve.
RESOURCES
(c) Depressed Anonymous, 3rd edition (1998, 2008, 2011) Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville, KY.
(c) The Depressed Anonymous Workbook, (2001) Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville. KY.
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