Depression and AA

[Tim]

More about depression...

how many do you ever hear that talks about seeing a professional in regards to diet and nutrients?

Dallas

I went to a professional nutritionist and exercise specialist early in sobriety and began making changes to my diet and exercise. I still follow a good diet and exercise program.

Here is something I posted three years ago about this:

http://www.step12.com/forums/viewtopic. ... t=exercise

[Dallas]

I remember that nearly three year old post!!! Obviously... those suggestions are good enough to help us get three more years of sobriety! And, it's just as good now -- as it was in Oct. 2006!

Thanks Tim.

Here's a few examples of my own experiences with nutrition:

1. I developed a bad skin rash that was really creating super problems for me. Itching, scratching, skin temperature too high, rash, very miserable.

Guess what the problem and the solution was? I wasn't drinking enough good, clear, fresh water! I had assumed that "well, water is in all liquids I drink, so... oh well!" Wrong! My body needs certain amounts of clean and fresh water -- to operate like it's supposed to operate and at peak performance! I would have never guessed that by drinking more water -- it would solve my problem.

2. Peanut butter: I used to eat tons of it but now I'm allergic to it. And, part of the symptoms is depression along with it knocking me out and making me sick.

3. Tuna: I guess I ate so much tuna as a kid and as an adult -- that my body can't handle it now.

4. Headaches and eye problems: Solution? Vitamin B2. It works.

5. Allergy to alcohol: I nearly fell out of my chair when I heard that one!

I could go on and on and on.

Now, I'm learning how sugar causes me to have mental and physical reactions that I don't like. Tired. Sleepy. Sick feeling. Depression.

The solution? Simple. Cut down and cut out the sugar.

God gave us a wonderful and dynamic body -- but, He didn't give us an Operators Manual to go along with it. And, just like my car: quality of fuel matters. Periodically, I need to add things to keep it running at peak performance.... like stuff to clean the injectors, etceteras. When it starts acting up, the first think I check is the fuel.

Dallas

[Rain]

More about depression...

More about the physiology of depression?

We hear a lot of alcoholics talking about going to therapists (the-rapist) and psychiatrists... and church... etceteras... but, how many do you ever hear that talks about seeing a professional in regards to diet and nutrients?

Dallas

I got to AA via an MD I was seeing regarding nutrition. I quit sugar, refined carbohydrates, caffene AND alcohol. Nutritional suppliments and B12 shots.

Some people.

[Michaelrup]

I do not have a drinking or drug problem but have realized I have a depression problem. I am leary of Doctors and prescription drugs to combat depression and was wondering if AA would be a good idea for me. Can you join AA if you do not have a drinking problem?
The comments posted above made quite a bit of sense to me.

[Pebbles]

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.....

[Ranman99]

A lot of the 12 steps make a lot of sense for a lot of things and that is why they have been utilised for so many other maladies but as stated our primary purpose in AA is to stay sober and help others achieve sobriety. I have seen Emotions Anonymous for sufferers of a different type.

Back to depression and the program in general. I was fortunate this time via the process of amends to be introduced to a meditaton program which I follow every morning upon rising and evening before bed simply put the teacher states try this for a year and see if you notice results and actually do not try to meditate do the exercises and let meditation come to you it's about a 30 minute procedure.

For me I'm glad this came around as it is helpful. I also talk to other members that are practicing any of:

Bhuddist Meditation
OM Meditation
Kriya Meditation
Christian Meditation
Zen Meditation
Sanatana Dharma Meditation

Of course I would believe one would have to be careful as I'm sure there are more than enough scams out there. For example what I do there are no fees involved. We do make some dontations to charities in under developed areas as we please.

Just my three cents as I have found it helpful in trying to remove the blocks;-)

I try not to beat myself up when I get lazy and eat ice cream instead also

[Dallas]

Hello Michaelrup. Other non-alcoholics like yourself have taken the 12 Steps of AA, and used them to solve their unique problems. And, then, they've started non-alcoholic Fellowships that use AA's 12 Steps to establish a program of recovery with a Fellowship that can help others.

There are two Fellowships that come to mind -- I don't know much about them and have never attended them, but they are Depression Anonymous and Emotions Anonymous. There may be more Fellowships like this, and you can find information and a link to them at: www.12stepgroups.com

I hope that helps!

Best wishes.

Dallas B.

[Ranman99]

Well Happy New Year Anneparker but I must say I have lost the plot

[Camel]

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.....

"And besides, we are sure our way of living has its advantages for all." (Forward to the First Edtion, Big Book)

[Dallas]

Thank you for sharing Keith. You, and your sharing, help us, too.

Sometimes, conditions and circumstances in life are wonderful.
And, sometimes they are nearly unbearable. That, to me, seems to be the Great Reality. Sometimes -- it seems as though we are totally powerless to change the conditions and circumstances. But, we find some way to get through it. And, that, to me -- is the Great Miracle of Life.

Wishing for you and for Lynda, the best. I wish there was more that I could offer to do to change your conditions and circumstances -- because if I had the ability to do that -- I could use it on myself, too!

It's just like you mentioned though -- in a brief way, above. We've got each other. We've got our beliefs in God and in AA. We have some actions that we can take that help us get through the rough spots and help us to enjoy more of the good spots. And, we don't have to drink, or slit our wrists over the tough spots.

I'm here for you, Keith -- Just like I'm sure that you are here for me, too! And, I appreciate you.

Dallas