12 Step Program for Depression

The 12 step model has been extended well past the original Alcoholics Anonymous roots. The same structure has found application in areas traditionally reserved for the medical profession as people look for group support with all types of problems. This is true for depression as well.

Some of the groups are:

• Depressed Anonymous
• Depression Anonymous
• Affective Disorders Anonymous
• Emotions Anonymous

Emotions Anonymous is one of the better resources because of their presence both in the U.S. and internationally. The search function on their site is great for finding a local meeting and by putting in the country, "Internet," in the drop down, it will generate a list of online resources.

With the current trend in medicine to treat (and some say over-treat) depression with medications, the 12 step programs can offer a different solution. Programs don't require members to stop any prescribed medications and the 12 steps can be done in tandem with traditional therapy. In fact, some therapists will recommend a group if they think it will help.

Many seem to find the sense of community that arises with solid and regular meetings to be of great benefit. This can be especially important for someone who feels loneliness as a part of their condition and just attending a meeting can be a real boon. The simple acts of getting ready and actually going out of the house is an improvement.

There's one other kind of "12 step" program used for depression. These are lists drawn up by individuals of steps they have found helpful for themselves. These are specific mood altering things that aren't group or recovery related so much as fallbacks. Some of these are interesting and worth looking over. Here's an example.

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