Topic this week: Depression

[caressa]

Depression is a big part of grief. Whenever we have a change in our life which brings about change in our daily routine, our daily living structure, and our long-time habits, we grieve over what was, what might have been, and fear what is to come.

Link to Bill W. view on depression:

eor.proboards23.com/index.cgi?board=AA&action=display&thread=6462

What we look like on the outside isn't how we feel inside. Recovery for me was when the reflection matched. I was always trying to make the outside looked good because I felt so bad inside. I was big into earrings and make up and in today, I seldom take the time for either.

[caressa]

Depression is part of grieving and something that I don't take a pill for. My depression isn't a chemical imbalance. Doctor's have tried to put me on anti-depressants for my fibromyalgia and all they did for me was put weight on and then I became more depressed. I have seen many girls put on them only to go back out to get thin. Either they were not honest with their doctor or their doctor doesn't understand the disease of addiction.

Every time there is a change, a loss be it a job, a routine, a loved one, or a habit, we go through a grieving process. It isn't something to ignore and hide under a bushel. The program works on it when I apply the 12 Steps. The 12 Steps are applicable to all situations.

[Lin]

I only know of one time in my life I was depressed and it was only for a few weeks.
But my husband has a chemical imbalnce. HE has huge bouts of depression several times each year. It's really difficult to watch. He becomes suicidal at times. He DOES take meds for it, but sometimes they jstu don't work. Certain things really set him off....gloomy weather lik today, death of a loved one, worrying abotu the illness of a loved one, even certain events on TV such as wehn the gulf war started and was on TV nonstop 24 and 7. That one lasted at least 3 weeks..no shower, no getting dressed...no leaving the house...only leaving the bed to eat or go potty.

LIN

[caressa]

Thanks for sharing Lin. I can identify with a few things, although I think the most I have gone without doing is 3 days. It is a sign for me that I am heading down and I need to turn things over to my Higher Power.

Here is a link to some quotes. The one I like the best is:

“Depression is nourished by a lifetime of ungrieved and unforgiven hurts” by Penelope Sweet

www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_women.htm

[caressa]

When I feel I just can't face the world and want nothing more than to bury my head under the covers and hide, I know I need an Al-Anon meeting. I may have to push myself out the door, but I always feel better - and saner - wen I break the isolation and reach out for help. I usually feel relief the minute I walk into an Al-Anon room, even if it's a meeting I've never attended before. I find a healing, comfoorting Power in these rooms, a Power greter than myself. And because my Higher Power speaks through other people, I often hear exactly what I need.

We all go through periods of sadness, lethargy, and grief - that's part of life. But depression can become a habit that perpetuates itself, unless I intercede by acting on my own behalf. Al-Anon cannot solve every problem, and if depression lingers, I ma want to consider seeking professional help. but more often than not, what I need to do is birng my body to an Al-Anon meeting. I know that no matter how I feel when I take an action to get some help, I make myself available to the Higher Power in these rooms.

Today's Reminder - August 11 Courage to Change:

When in doubt, I will go to an Al-Anon meeting and invite my Higher Power to do for me what I cannot do for myself.

"There are times when I have to hurt through a situation and when this happens, the choice is not whether to hurt or not to hurt, but what to do while I am hurting."

...In All Our Affairs

[caressa]

This realy spoke to me. I have gone to a meeting with a headache many times and have had it gone often half way through the meeting, or within minutes of walking in the door.

I deposited my cheque today and found myself asking for direction. It brought my home. Why not take things to the Master Healer, Planner, Physician, etc. He/She is all things, so why should I want to stay in my doom and gloom when I know that when I reach out for help, the solution will be there. Even if I am meant to go to a professional, it is okay, I will be directed there. There are more than one type of professional too.