My last break with reality was in 2001. I have worked ever since then to reconstruct my life. The most progess I have made has been in the last three years when I joined Depressed Anonymous and NAMI BG which is the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill.
Depressed Anonymous is a 12 step group where I can find support and make a network of new friends who are struggling like me. We get together two times a week and talk about our experiences with depression and what we are doing or not doing to stay well, be well and get well. NAMI BG is a grassroots advocacy group for consumers and families to be active in the political process and have support groups for themselves. I am currently the President of NAMI BG. It is so valuable to get input from others like myself who I know can identify with me. I trust them with my story because DA is an anonymous program. What does that mean? It means that what I say there -stays there. It is all confidential. NAMI BG is not anonymous however I am proud to tell my story so it can help me help others.
I have created a life where my recovery has to come first. I make all my meetings, I take my medication, I rely on talk therapy to help me out when a professional ear is needed and my faith is a primary aspect of my recovery.
I think my experience with DA and NAMI BG has been enhanced by my previous experience with NA (Narcotics Anonymous). I got clean and sober in 1997. Since then I have worked with a sponser and worked the steps to the best of my ability.
I still work with that sponser to this day and I am still working the steps today. I am lucky enough now to give back what I was freely given by being a sponsor to a woman with similar challenges to my own. This type of service work adds strength to my own recovery. My challenge these days is to not only work the steps but to integrate them into my life. I strive for this on a daily basis.
My life has changed as a result of these three organizations. I realize that I will always be in recovery because it is a journey not a destination. I dont beleive in the label "I am recovered" I will always chose to think of my self as "recovering". I think that leaves me room to grow, change and evolve. My recovery may take on different aspects than it did in the beginning but it will always be part of who I am everyday.
If your life is in strife and you are dealing with depression or other mental illnesses or you have a drug and/or alcohol problem then may you find here a chance to change your life. Release yourself from your prisons and soar free with hope, joy and peace in your heart.
