The reason I started a Depressed Anonymous meeting in 1985 is because I knew that getting a meeting organized would be a help to those suffering from depression. I also know just like in any other 12 step fellowship group, power is in the group. Whatever the serious nature of the problem we face, a group of people who are on the same page, mentally, spiritually and physically, provides a healing atmosphere for the participant.
Since I was also a member of another 12 step fellowship, I instinctively knew that getting the depressed out of their isolation and into relationships with people like themselves would be therapeutic. We all had the same story to tell. It was not only a story of our struggles with our own depression but it was a story that brought a fresh new hope for ourselves and for all those with whom we shared out lives.
I mentioned the song sung by Ane Brun, the Norwegian singer, in a recent blog(10/13) and now today I would like to give you the lyrics to the song. I dedicate it to those who bring to life something new. We bring a new life not just for ourselves but for others like ourselves. In this case, here is the last stanza of her powerful message.
“It all starts somewhere
It all starts with one
Everything comes from something
It all starts with one
Starts with one.”
Copyright(c) Ane Brun
(You can hear her whole song on YouTube.)
I have found this song’s lyrics so powerful that I was motivated to share a small part of this song with each of you. As you and I know, ideas and movements have to start somewhere with somebody. They don’t just happen. Movements, great ideas, they always “start with one, and then two and then three and more. ” Truly a song about the power of ONE. We all know about the power of social media and how experiences of others become viral so that millions of people may see the same picture and get the same message. As the saying goes, “one picture is worth a thousand words.”
I remember well the reaction that I got when I asked my Dean of the Psychology Department if I could start a group for persons depressed. I felt that we had possibly found a way out of depression, using the 12 spiritual principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and modeling this program of recovery for persons depressed, The Dean’s response was doubtful. He gave me the “go ahead” but remarked that “since the depressed normally can’t get themselves out of bed because of their depression, don’t be disappointed if they don’t show up for this project.” I’m glad that we went ahead. We had a very successful outcome where most of the depressed in our program felt their depressed mood lighten. What happened after that is history. In May of 1985, with the help of members from our initial group, Depressed Anonymous was started. It is now is spreading around the world. Our literature is now in English, Farsi language, Russian, and presently being translated into Spanish (2019) and Dutch. The Internet has brought our message of hope into lives and homes around the globe. Our message of hope is just a click away.
Remember, it all starts with one, and two, three and more….
Hugh