Thanks to (c)Dep-Anon, which is the name of the Depressed Anonymous Family fellowship group, we can find ways to give support to each other whose lives are intertwined with those significant others who are depressed. Our basic text makes use of the 12 Step principles of Recovery just as does Depressed Anonymous, the basic text for those of us who are depressed.
Dep-Anon, with its thoughts of support and with a foundation of 12 Step spiritual principles are written by those persons who have Family members and friends who are depressed. Their experiences speak and carry great weight for those of us who are desirous of learning how to live with understanding and serenity in very trying circumstances.
A psychologist James Hillman stated that “Until the soul gets what it wants, it must fall ill again.”
For what does our soul yearn? Can you tell me? Can you tell me even what is this soul reality. Is it my personality? Is it my character. Is it me? Is it all of me? And then, what is it that your soul yearns? Is there a “hole” in your soul that is continually filling up with sadness and despair? In order to make a difference in our lives, day by day, is to reflect on the Serenity Prayer (below) and make it one’s mantra throughout our day.
“God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
“We treasure our “Serenity Prayer” because it brings new light to us that can dissipate our old and nearly fatal habit of fooling ourselves.
In the radiance of this prayer we see the defeat, rightly accepted, need be no disaster. We now know that we do not have to run away, nor ought we again try to overcome adversity by still another bulldozing power drive that can only push up obstacles before us faster than they can be taken down.” (ABSI. pg.20).
SOURCE: Copyright(c) Dep-Anon Family Group Manual. Pgs.33.
“We can only live now, and so we have to let go of past hurts and past resentments.” Depressed Anonymous. p. 37.
Further reflection points! See website MENU at the drop down Tools of Recovery site and check out The Serenity Prayer and Live in the Present.