Yesterday’s blog spoke about the “lack of power” in one’s life. Most persons are looking for getting some power in their lives. Power to get out of bed. The power to feel better. The power to overcome the feeling of powerlessness. The power to break out of our prison of depression. The power to find a way to have some peace and happiness in my life.
In the beginning of the book, titled Depressed Anonymous, there are articles written by two different therapists who share their views on how the Twelve Steps have helped their counselees work their way out of depression. They are sharing how a program of recovery, with the spiritual principles of Depressed Anonymous, modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous Twelve Steps, are the basis of recovery from depression for the counselee.
As a therapist myself I have found that the Depressed Anonymous Fellowship is a power that gradually can pivot the counselee from sadness to hope. The group provides individuals with new tools, giving power to their search for freedom and serenity. No longer do they feel alone and isolated. We know that a sure-fire way to remain in a state of depression lockdown is to isolate oneself from loved ones and life in general. By using the “Big Book” of Depressed Anonymous in the group and with a therapist we discover a powerful truth that provides the impetus for continuing on with our search for hope, recovery for our own mental wellness.
We begin to live in the present, believing that yesterday is gone forever and tomorrow hasn’t yet arrived. All we have is the now. No one can promise us a tomorrow – so let’s live for today–one day at a time.
Denise shares how her client , “spent his time alone and many countless hours thinking of all the disappointments in his life, which continually reinforced his depression. Then he started going to DA and found that through being with other people like himself, he didn’t feel as alone as he did before. He started sharing his pain, and found understanding and support. Then I noticed his face began to soften, and he started smiling more. He also found help spiritually from DA, for he started working the Twelve Steps, and as a result, he started trusting God more for his healing. He is one of the many persons I’ve worked with who have found help and encouragement through attending Depressed Anonymous.” Depressed Anonymous, 3rd edition. (2011) Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville, KY. Page 29/ Therapists views on Depressed Anonymous, pages 26-29.
Denise, as one of the therapists who has shared her views on Depressed Anonymous and who makes good use of the Depressed Anonymous group structure discovers how a group program can position a counselee into a fellowship with people who are having the same experiences. They no longer feel alone and isolated, knowing that they are being provided with a program recommended by their therapist that works. By working with the therapist and the DA fellowship in tandem with each other, they find everyone is on the same page. Not only does the powerful message that the counselee receives validate his/her recovery experience with depression, but it will tie in with the counselor’s treatment plan of recovery. It’s a win-win situation all the way!
If a therapist wants to give their clients another source of help, they might think about referring them to a mutual aid group such as Depressed Anonymous. And if the person reading this does have a therapist they would do well to advise their therapist how much more the therapy experience would be enriched for the counselee.
Not only do we see how depression is becoming a problem of epidemic proportions in all societies around the world, we believe that we have a positive approach to helping those who are still suffering from depression.
Depressed Anonymous, 3rd edition. (2011) Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville.KY.
The Depressed Anonymous Workbook, 2nd edition (2002) Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville. Ky.
All books can be ordered online.