“And so it goes in life that God often uses those of us with a certain experience to help others who are experiencing that same hurt and pain.” Debra Sanford in her recent publication: A Medley of Depression Stories.
Without a doubt, the statement “it takes on to know one, ” is right on target. The truth of this statement is verified by the increasing number of mutual aid groups that keep cropping up in our communities. The fact remains, that if anybody can understand my situation or my particular physical or mental condition, it most likely will be that person who has experience the same condition.
During my experience with depression, I found myself isolated and alone. I also found myself asking questions about what was happening to myself. I was not coming up with any answers. I was scared! I was living a lie. There was a smile on my face with others, but inside I was also fearful of being found out. Without any exterior evidence on my body that I was in pain, every day turned out to be a momentous challenge for me.
Not until I discovered that all my pain, mental and physical had to do with being depressed, did I start to deal with it. It was then that I became proactive in my own personal recovery. What did I do? I started walking five miles a day. The only way I could chase the pain away was to walk. And walk some more. Every day.
During this time, just getting out of bed was an overwhelming chore. At this time in my life, I had to have a job to support myself. Calling in sick at work wouldn’t get it. I kept walking. And after months of exercise, I gradually felt my mood begin to rise. Of course, because of my familiarity with negative thinking and bashing myself unmercifully, I told myself that this calm in the storm, would not last. I was right. It didn’t last. Eventually, because I persisted with my walking , I eventually was able to live my life without depression. I could live with peace and hope.
Also, because of Depressed Anonymous and sharing with others in the group, I got stronger, found more tools to stay depression free, and helped others start their own Depressed Anonymous group. One of our members pointed out to the new members how our own “feeling better” could be attributed to the “miracle of the group.” It was in the group where sharing our struggles and experiences made it possible to have hope and a gradual from depression.
As Debra C., tells us in her account of persons who tell their stories (A Medley of Depression Stories) and experiences, as being part of the Depressed Anonymous group. She states a fact about the members of Depressed Anonymous that “The sheer healing obtained from the group is immeasurable.” A Medley of Depression Stories. (2017) by Debra Sanford. ( ISBN 978-1974499601). Her book can be purchased at Amazon.com/Books. I highly recommend it. Her book is filled with those personal and powerful testimonies of how people joined together for the same purpose can find the help they need. Why wouldn’t they? We all have come from the same experience and isolation and now find kindred souls in our life who not only speak the same language of hope but continue to offer it to each other.
Hugh
SOURCES: (c) Depressed Anonymous, 3rd edition. Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville.KY
(c) Debra Sanford A Medley of Depression Stories. (2017) @ Amazon.com/Books