Question: Is Depressed Anonymous a class? Does someone teach this class?
Answer: Depressed Anonymous is neither a class nor does someone, such as a professional lead the group. We are a mutual aid group where each of us brings our own experience and shares them with each other. We also live our life based on the 12 Steps, the suggested spiritual principles of Depressed Anonymous.
Question: How much does it cost to join the group?
Answer: There are no fees or dues. All a person needs for membership is a sincere desire to keep from saddening themselves.
Question: Can you come to a meeting even if you are not depressed? Like a family member or a friend of someone depressed?
Answer: Yes, in fact we encourage family members participation in the group. The more we attend meetings the more likely we are to get a better understanding of the experience and nature of depression.
Question: What position does Depressed Anonymous take with regard to antidepressant Tablets?
Answer: Depressed Anonymous takes no position on medications. We are a support group which has as its base a spiritual foundation as laid out in the 12 Steps. We are not professionally led. We do not discuss topics of a religious nature which are specifically oriented to one religious faith or another. One’s personal medication regimen as well as religious preference is solely the responsibility of that individual and is not discussed in the group meeting.
Question: Do I have to give a talk if I attend a meeting?
Answer: No one is asked to say more than their first name at a DA meeting. We have all been where you have been, namely as a newcomer and we respect one’s right to talk only when one feels ready to talk. Every member of the group is given the understanding that when they have a turn to talk they can just say “PASS” and everyone is very OK with that.
Question: How many meetings will it take before I am no longer depressed?
Answer: That is a question that we can’t answer. I believe that even though my good days are now more frequent and my bad days less, I still keep coming back to meetings so as to help myself and give help to others still suffering. Our program is one that you don’t graduate from –it is a lifelong fellowship where one continues to learn that to stay well means to keep connected with the group, use the daily spiritual tools that keep us all out of the prison of depression.
Source: Depressed Anonymous, 3rd edition. (2011) Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville.
Does anyone know of a depression anonymous group in NYC?
Do you know of a depression anonymous support group in NYC?
Hi Rachel
At the present time there are no DA groups in NYC. Hard to believe but we do know that there must be thousands of people who can use our program of recovery. Have you thought about an Home Study Program? I think that would be a good start until you can find a few others who would be happy to join you.
Want to set up a group in London, based on AA 12 steps
Can you help?
Yes, we are more than happy to help you in all and any way that we can. Tell us what you need?
Hugh.s
Are there any phone or online meetings?
Hello Gabrielle
No, not at this time. But hopefully someday. And thank you for your interest in our program of recovery.
Take care
Hugh for the fellowship
I would like to join this group. I live in Thousand Oaks, CA. How can I find a meeting?
Hello Kendi
We do not know of any Depressed Anonymous meetings in your locality. For those who do not have a meeting in their area we can recommend a Home Study Program for those who have no group to attend. The Home program also enables those who wish, to start their own program in their community.
For those who do use the program of recovery, Depressed Anonymous provides a sponsor who will help with walking you through the steps.
Also, you might like to read through the Blogs on our website http://www.depressedanon.com as a start in getting a good understanding of the Steps and how they can help us understand ourselves and our dealing with depression.
I hope this helps. Write to us at [email protected] for more information.
Thank you
Hugh
Is there a 12 step group for depressed anonymous in Cleveland, Ohio?
At the present time there are no Depressed Anonymous groups in Cleveland–sorry to say! If a few persons would like to set up a group–we will help support that effort.
Thank you
Hugh for the fellowship
Hello Mr. Smith,
My name is Mary Mondt a friend of Debra Sanford I took over her Elizabeth City group at her request. I recently moved the DA group meeting from 300 pearl st to : Sentara Albemarle Hospital 1144 N road st Education room #3 Elizabeth City ,NC 27909 It is well lit safe and handicap accessible. The meetings remain Thursday nights 6 to 7 PM Tried to register the address but was unable could you help? Our email is [email protected] Right now we have 4 regulars but hope to build Talked to the Administrator of the Hospital who was kind enough to give us that room and said we could hang a brochure there. Regarding the brochure can I use sentences or a phrase in its contents? My phone # is 316-573-7245 I’m in my 70’s and have been in DA 2 plus years Thank You
I desperately need a sponsor or support/buddy to help me through my depression. I currently have no support, no one around me who understands–or who wants to understand. How can I find someone who is willing to be there for me, and let me be there for them? I’m open to a phone sponsor, but would rather not do chat. I need to hear a human voice when I’m struggling.
FYI, I’m in Dallas, TX.
Hello Kelly
Thank you for your letter. I will attempt to find a sponsor for you. I recommend the Home Study Program of DA for you. I already am working with three people and one national group of DA members and so that is about all I can handle for now. But, I would recommend our Home Study KIT where we use emails between sponsor and sponsee using our DA Workbook. The Workbook and Manual, 3rd edition are coordinated so that one can read the Book and then answer questions from Workbook as they fit your own situation and depression. Depression is unique to each individual. These valuable texts can be ordered online at depressedanon.com at the Depressed Anonymous Publications Bookstore.
Even though the sponsor and sponsee use emails, there are times when the sponsee can talk (live on the phone.)
Anyway, I do hope that you take a look at our website and read the various menu items on our homepage and see if this program is something that you might like to try for yourself.
All the best to you Kelly –always have hope
Hi Hugh,
I am new to DA and am also looking for a sponsor. I hope you have an opening by now.
Thanks
Raj
Hello,
My name is Dana. I live in Denver, CO. It doesn’t look like there are any DA groups on CO. How does one go about starting one?
Thank you,
Dana
Hi Dana
Thank you for your request of a meeting site. I am sorry there are not more DA meetings–and in particular in your home State of CO. We do offer two On line Meetings which are International and are on two different days of the week Sunday and Wednesday. They both are in English-The Sunday meeting is at 14.30PM ( Central European Time) which is 9:30AM (Central Standard Time) Louisville Ky.
The Wednesday meeting is at 17.00PM and lunch time 12 Noon in Canada and Louisville. If you go to your own time zone in Denver, you will be able to join in the SKYPE group meeting.
The following is the link to the meetings, both of them, Sunday and Wednesday. The link:https://join.skype.com/l8xfouW4hYUW. The meetings are run just like going to a real DA meeting.
If you would like to start a meeting I advise you to go to our Website homepage at depressedanon.com and click onto the Newsletter Archives -Read the Fall Issue of the Newsletter Issue #1 as there is some very good information on starting a Meeting. Also, Issue # 4 has a good piece on starting a meeting.
I would be happy to help in any way that I can or our team can. Also, you might check out our Publications Bookstore for more info. Let’s say this: You also would well to get a another friend to help you set it up and organize the meeting. It does take some work and a commitment –but I know that getting involved with others depressed does help us as well.
Take care and thanks for your interest Please look at FAQ at the menu for insights.
Hugh S.
My interests have definitely been peaked. Will do more research and be back shortly
with more comments.
Sounds good.
Hugh
Are there any groups in the Norfolk/Va Beach/Cheseapke, Virginia area?
At the present time there are no groups in these areas. Sorry about that. You can go online at ZOOM and Skype if you like. These are excellent groups and they are live. Go to our site at depressedanon.com and at the homepage you will find how to contact zoom and Skype meeting times.
Hugh
I am very interested in learning more. I am from Herriman, Utah (Salt Lake City area.)
I would like to join a group or start a group in my area. Can you please direct me where to go and what to do?
Thank you Debbie S
Debbie S,
This is Bill R, and I’m one of the new bloggers here at Depressed Anonymous.
Your question had 2 parts and I’ll answer them in sections:
Joining a group – what resources are available to me?
The list of meetings that we maintain here at the website does not show a current face to face meeting in Utah. There may be DA meetings in Utah, but we are not aware of any.
Many DA groups are holding online meetings through Skype or Zoom (no endorsement real or implied). If you go to our page: https://depressedanon.com/meetings/international-online-depressed-anonymous-skype-meetings it contains several online meetings during the week. If you attend one of these meetings they may make you aware of other online meetings that we are not currently aware of.
I firmly believe that Depressed Anonymous is the best way to recover from depression, but I want to make you aware of other resources that you may want to explore.
All US states have mental health departments that may be able to point you to local resources. Most US counties also have mental health departments that you could also reach out to for support.
The National Alliance on Mental Health sometimes has lists of resources applicable to your region of the country.
The Depressed Bipolar Support Alliance (supporting people who have depression or bipolar disorder and their loved ones) has face to face meetings in many areas of the country and may be able to point you to local resources.
Depression is a chronic disease that can be managed with treatment. Keep up the fight, you are worth it.
Starting a group – What can I use to help me start one?
The best resources for starting a Depressed Anonymous group can be found in the DA Manual and DA Workbook. For more information about the literature and how to order go to the page Depressed Anonymous Literature.
Many, but certainly not all of us in DA, are members of other 12 step fellowships. The lessons learned in those other fellowships (the steps, the traditions, how a meeting runs, public outreach) can all be used when starting a DA group. Personally I am a member of another 12 step fellowship (which one doesn’t matter), and I used that experience to help me start a local DA meeting in my area 2 years ago. This experience by no means is required, but it was helpful for me.
There is no leader, per se, at a DA meeting. A meeting is facilitated by a member volunteer, typically reading an introductory script about Depressed Anonymous and how the meeting will be run. Then the meeting transitions to open sharing on a topic. Topics can be suggested by the facilitator, or topics can be taken from the floor. People share from their own experience about the topic on hand. There is no advice at a DA meeting, just a sharing of experience: what worked, and what didn’t work for the person sharing.
Yours in recovery, Bill R
Hi Debbie, we’re working on a Salt Lake City group. Please call or text (310)876-2446.
How can I get a list of Depression Anonymous meetings in the US?
Check the Meetings link on the menu bar 1/3 of the way down the screen of our website. A direct link is: https://depressedanon.com/meetings/
Any online
C groups in UK?c
Hi,
I am currently in intensive outpatient for depression that follows the 12-step recovery model. I am required to find a sponsor as one of the 12 steps and was wondering if I could have help with this because I am having a difficult time finding one on my own. Thank you.
Abby
Hello Abby
First, congratulations on your work in IOP. I am able to direct you to the place where a sponsor can be found. I am a member of Depressed Anonymous, a 12 Step Recovery program. We have an active online International SKYPE group meet on a daily basis and
welcome all newcomers to our site. We have those members who are willing to sponsor those who want a sponsor or who are willing to co-sponsor others. I think that you might find a good fit here for what you are looking for.
I would recommend that you visit this group, attend a few meetings, look at what we have to offer. When the meeting opens they ask if there are any newcomers and that is when you could share that you are seeking a sponsor to be part of an IOP program. Remember, the group is Anonymous, no names (only first) and you speak only if you choose to speak. You will find that we are all on the same road of recovery and all at different points in our recovery.
The group, Depressed Anonymous – a Journey of Hope is online at 12:30 EDt and 11:30 CDT-The 12:30 EDT is in the same time zone as Chicago. The following is the address with the link to our online meeting. : https://join.skype.com/pKMshxPo9nb. The link will take you to a screen with a button that says JOIN GROUP. Click onto that and then you will see a button on your screen saying JOIN GROUP. This will take you into the group meeting itself and you will be welcomed into the meeting. The meeting lasts an hour and is peer-led.
You will be able to share how you are looking for a sponsor and the group will tell you how to go about finding one.
Abby You can contact me anytime if questions arise. My email address is [email protected]. ALso, my name is Hugh.
I live in Ohio and just started taking pills for my depression a month or two back. would i be able to go to the meetings and is there any near Salem,OH
Good Morning, Ariel
Thank you for your query about participating in a Depressed Anonymous meeting while taking pills for depression. Taking medications for depression and attending DA meetings is not a problem. Many of those who attend DA meetings have indicated they are taking meds for their own depression. You are most welcome and encouraged to attend our fellowship meetings, with the only requirement being a desire to stop saddening ourselves.
To discover a meeting near you, please click on our website http://www.depressedanon.com and check the Home menu item MEETINGS. If you are looking for meetings near you in Ohio, USA, please click on USA Face to Face meetings, State by State. If you are interested in virtual (Internet), online meetings, then click on that item and find that there are DA meetings every day which will be helpful as well. For Ohio, the time for meetings is 12:30-1:30 PM ET.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Thank you.
Hugh
Hello
I live in Canada. Am I eligible to join? Do you have online meeting? Where can I find the schedule? I am in Eastern time zone. Thanks.
Jay
Hi Jay, and thank you for contacting us here at Depressed Anonymous. Happy to hear that you are interested in our International Journey of Hope Daily Online Zoom meeting. Here is our Depressed Anonymous group schedule and we encourage and support you in your efforts toward dealing with depression.
First click onto our website at http://www.depressedanon.com. This will take you to our HOMEPAGE with various menu items.
Click onto the Drop Down Menu item “MEETINGS.” Click onto that and you will find a reference to DA ZOOM Meetings worldwide. For the daily Journeys of Hope meeting, which are live at 11:30Am and 12:30PM, CDT and EDT respectively. Click onto the link that will take you to the meeting site. At the corner of your computer screen, you will see a green button or blue button that says JOIN. Click onto that and that will take you to the meeting site. Someone will invite to you to join the group. Click onto the invite and you are there. Please get to the meeting 10-15 minutes before it starts to familiarize yourself with the technology that we use during our meetings. Meetings are an hour long. You can speak or you can just listen. No one has to speak at our meetings. We are happy that you have found us. Also, you will discover that we offer many meetings during the week so take a look at these.
Hugh, for the fellowship.
All are welcome regardless of location.
If you select Meetings then Online Depressed Anonymous Meetings from the horizontal light green menu you will see information on various online meetings. The direct link to that page is: https://depressedanon.com/meetings/online-depressed-anonymous-meetings/
Hi, I wonder if it might be possible in future to read this website in dark mode. It would help me because when I can’t sleep I go to the website for reading. Maybe others might be helped too. Thanks.
I’ve installed a plugin that allows you to toggle dark mode on and off. Enjoy.
You’ve asked and now it’s provided. There is an icon in the lower right that will toggle dark mode on or off. The icon uses up some screen real estate but it implements the feature that you were looking for. Keep the suggestions coming.
This is Randy, the host for the Sunday afternoon DA meeting. At the meeting today the person below asked for an outreach call and I don’t feel it is appropriate for a male to counsel a female.
Please contact her. She is new to the fellowship.
Kathy ###-###-#### (redacted)
Hello – question – I saw a book on Amazon called “Depression Anonymous” written by Dr. Dennis Ortman. Is that the original version of the book that is used in the program?
Thank yo very much!
Amy
Hello Amy
Thank you for your question. The original Depressed Anonymous book that was first published by Harmony House in 1990 is authored by Hugh S. The present 3rd Edition is sold by Amazon.con, as well as by Depressed Anonymous Publications . Our group name is Depressed Anonymous–not Depression Anonymous. See our website Depressedanon.com for more information about our 12 Step program of recovery.
Thank you
Hugh S.
I am new to this.
I live in LOS ANGELES , CA
Are there any physical locations for the MEETINGS ??
When are the meeting schedules and Where ?
Please provide me the dates and hours for ZOOM classes as well.
Please help me by replying .
Thanks
Marc,
Thank you for writing. That information is available already on our site. In the horizontal menu towards the top of the page there is an option for Meetings. Go into that option and you will see options for face to face and online meetings. All the information can be found there.
Hi
I am in Toronto, Canada. I desperately need the support.
Please guide the steps to join or details or next meeting.
I don’t know of any face to face meetings in Toronto. There are 15 Zoom meetings weekly – see the following for specific info: https://depressedanon.com/meetings/online-depressed-anonymous-meetings/
You are a member if you say you are. The only requirement is the desire to stop saddening yourself. What do we mean by that? A portion of my depression is self inflicted. It doesn’t matter if it’s 1% or 99%, part of my depression is self inflicted. I need to take ownership of that and use the tools of recovery for a daily reprieve.
If you are in crisis and a suicide attempt is imminent then please call the emergency services number in your area, or get to a local hospital emergency room. If you are not at the level depression come to a meeting and learn some of the tools of recovery. Explore the website – there is a lot of information here.
Hi friend
Is there any face to face meeting in and around BANGALORE-INDIA If so pl let me know.
We only know of face to face meetings that people make us aware of. We publish what we are aware of. We do not know of any face to face meetings in India, Bangalore or otherwise. There may be meetings but we are not aware of them.
You may want to try online meetings. Based on India’s time zone the meeting at 12:30pm ET may work for you although it will be a little later in your day. Also there is an early morning Monday meeting based in Australia that you may be interested in. See Online Depressed Anonymous Meetings