“One of the greatest resources I’ve used in working with many depressed persons has been Depressed Anonymous. The transformation it causes in an individual’s life is truly miraculous. This stems from it being primarily a spiritual program of healing and recovery. It encourages a person to seek a personal relationship with God, whoever they understand God to be. In doing this, it helps a person to look inside for healing, rather than in a pill or some quick “cure.” Many persons who suffer with depression look on God as being one who judges them harshly. This thinking usually leads to much anger towards God, which results in more negative thinking. I know this from my own experiences with depression, and the angry relationship with God I had during those times. This is where Depressed Anonymous offers hope by getting a person connected to a group who also suffers with depression, and are working the Twelve Steps. In doing this, it helps a person come to a realization that it will only be through a power greater than themselves that they will find sanity in their life. Depressed people cannot do this alone because of the compulsion to ruminate endlessly over negative thoughts. It is only through coming together with a group of people like Depressed Anonymous that they are able to break the cycle of negative thinking. ”
To read more of what therapists have to say about Depressed Anonymous please read their thoughts in Depressed Anonymous, 3rd edition. (2011) Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville. KY. Page 67-68. ( The therapist who wrote the above is Ms. Denise List, doing therapy in Louisville, KY.)
As a therapist myself, I have found, as Denise herself found, that our own struggles with the isolating and painful reality that we call depression, made a difference in our relationship with clients. To have a mutual aid group such as Depressed Anonymous to which we could refer them had special and positive outcomes.
Our manual contains a veritable host of testimonies from persons from all walks of life who found Depressed Anonymous to be the “real deal.” It is here where they found acceptance, tools for recovery and most importantly a safe place to share their story.
Please VISIT the STORE here at our site. And if you are a therapist reading this now, it would serve your clients well for you to suggest that they pick up this book and begin to see and find hope for themselves.