Douglas's Story

I have suffered from depression, off and on, for more than 10 years now but last Autumn I had a particularly bad period which led me to give up my job and really all hope in the future.

A friend of mine who knew about Depression Alliance Scotland gave me the contact details for the organisation and suggested I register to attend one of the DAS self help groups. I did this and from January I have been going to one of the evening self help groups, something which I am pleased to say has helped me feel better about things and aided my recovery.

One of the biggest benefits of the group was meeting other people who knew how I felt, knew how depression felt and what it was like. Depression can be the loneliest thing in the world and knowing that I wasn’t alone, that there were others who suffered in the same way, helped me realise I wasn’t on my own, that it wasn’t just me. The group’s discussions (all confidential and you don’t have to speak at any meeting if you don’t want to, you can just listen) have also been informative on a range of subjects including medications and talking therapies.

Naturally I was nervous about going to the first meeting but the trained group leaders were fantastic, kind and welcoming, as were all the group members. I can only say to people who are out there suffering, give it a go; the group has played a real part in helping me feel better and getting back on track and I know that it can help others.