your points on therapy, medication and recovery are well taken.
These things can have some value esp during the physical withdrawal stages but at some point it can become enabling.
Because the mental (spiritual) aspect of recovery is the deepest part.
I went to AA meetings, and I kept a detailed journal during this first six to nine months, and as I would sit in the AA meetings, a million thoughts would go through my head on a topic. By the time it came to be my turn to share, I would usually have a pretty good grip on how that issue related to my experience. So, after the meeting I would usually write for ten or fifteen minutes and capture my thoughts.
Our depressed FRiend should spend more time examining his thinking with the help of a long-time sober sponsor.
You are a true friend to your buddy in need. Maybe no one will ever understand his pain and suffering, but a true-blue buddy will try anything to help out. Thanks for trying.
Rob, I didn't read the whole thread...I remember when you first posted this. What I wanted to know is if you asked permission before you put this on the public forum. I really hope you did, because if not, it's a terrible betrayal of trust. I don't care if it's anonymous.
Wow when I got through the posts I realized there are many hurting people out there.... my prayers are offered....but I wanted to respond to the friend who wrote to Rob....
Strength is when you reach out - empty all the ugly stuff from your gut and your heart and just let it all go.
Reviewing it daily doesn't get you on the path. Dump it at the side of the path and start out with a fresh heart.
Putting yourself down for past mistakes is old stuff and doesn't get you on the path. Dump it.
Take little baby steps as soon as you open your eyes in the morning. Start your life each day and look forward to the pleasures you will find - little things like a smile from someone you pass by - even if you have to smile first.
Start listening to people instead of being so involved with yourself. Reach out - listen, learn, hear, and love yourself.
If you give up now you will never know what wonderful things are meant for everyone - if you have the courage to continue on the path. Aren't you just a little curious to know what's ahead? Aren't you curious to know just how strong you are?
Take little steps, if you feel you might fall back, sit down and regroup but keep moving ahead.
And when you know you've reached a good place come back and share - so you can help another.