Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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orion777 09/27/2018

I was getting help/peer support from someone that I was talking to on the telephone. It was just supposed to be peer support on the telephone, and I am getting outside counseling as well. She tried to get me to go to a really expensive retreat, and I told her that I couldn't. But she came back with this major guilt trip, (the trip is like 1,500 dollars, it's outrageous), and said that my emotional condition is "worse than cancer and wouldn't I spend my money if I had cancer." This made me very angry because I lost someone really important to cancer, they were really sick and died. I was infuriated at this suggestion and it made me feel like this was a way to twist my arm and force me to spend my money out of desperation. I started to feel like they were not intererested in helping me, but just getting my money through scaring me. I feel like they were trying to take advantage of a vulnerable or upset person. I was furious.

Carolin57 09/27/2018

I think I would be furious too.

OlderCPer 09/27/2018

where'd you meet this "peer support" person you were calling?

Woman86 09/27/2018

If it doesn't feel right, it usually isn't right.

We might struggle with life sometimes but that don't make us stupid.

She should pay for it if its that important to her.

Seamus 09/27/2018

Ridiculous! Don't give it another thought. She almost sounds like a sponsor for the place.

You stood your ground. Good thing.... You have support here too. Be careful who you give your number to.

Relax..... You did the right thing by not letting someone coerce you into something.

hopeful0907 09/27/2018

Wow, that was hurtful! I am sorry that you went through such an ordeal and I agree that you should not be pressured into spending the money if you don't want to. Some people mean well but they are not helpful. Has working with this person helped you at all? If not then maybe consider finding someone else to work with. If they have helped, let them know how hurt you are and work through this letting them know you are not interested in the retreat. No one should pressure you into doing something you don't feel is right for you, and please let go of the guilt you feel, you didn't do anything wrong. You are doing the right thing, what is best for you.

RJW 09/27/2018

Thank you for sharing. That is a good warning for others in need. There are those that prey on those in need, as they justify it by thinking it is helping and it is making a living. A retreat might be nice, but not when beyond one's means. When they show you no respect, it is perfectly alright to just hang up. The problem is when one goes to them for real needed help, and it is found out that it is just a sales pitch. That can be deadly, and is highly irresponsible, if not criminal or it should be criminal. You endured that, and that is inspiring. You are important, and deserve respect and help, not a sales pitch. I hope this made sense. Thank you and God Bless.

orion777 09/27/2018

Well I met this person on a call list on their website. The previous night i did my homework and talked to a person who did their retreats. She said the man was really heavy handed and can help ppl but as soon as you don't follow his instructions exactly he gets angry or cuts you off, so I decided against it. He'd helped me a lot via email before and I liked him but I wasnt about to fly out there. I was told that the people on his list or helpers are primarily motivated for him and that he's desperate for business lately. I know they even have more expensive services in the hundreds of thousands. My guess is if I went to this retreat that would be the next thing. People I know who have worked with him seem to become dependent on him and convert to his religion too. One of them wont speak to us anymore.

jannytheresa 09/27/2018

Well, he could well scam someone who is depressed and vulnerable who has a lot of money. Can you report him to someone? (i.e, human rights commission, NAMI or at a minimum the BBB). I'd be pissed too and he won't stop at you--he'll find a new person to court and prey on. Happy you didn't get into things further.

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