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.
So I've been added to a support group for people with non war related PTSD. The first few weeks were fine since we were able to speak about eachother's issues and get day to day advice.
But recently it took a turn to the religious side when our moderator left and this other woman came to fill his place. I'm not against religious people nor against religion, my opinions are my own. But not only do I find it time wasting in a support group, it's also offensive for me and everyone else who doesn't believe in God to be told that if we pray our life will get better. I'm this close to burst out against this woman, she's wasting my time and everyone else's by turning a SUPPORT GROUP into a prayer circle. I can't find another one because I'm very limited in options from where I live, so I need some opinions on a course of action.
But recently it took a turn to the religious side when our moderator left and this other woman came to fill his place. I'm not against religious people nor against religion, my opinions are my own. But not only do I find it time wasting in a support group, it's also offensive for me and everyone else who doesn't believe in God to be told that if we pray our life will get better. I'm this close to burst out against this woman, she's wasting my time and everyone else's by turning a SUPPORT GROUP into a prayer circle. I can't find another one because I'm very limited in options from where I live, so I need some opinions on a course of action.
Can you talk to the previous moderator about this turn of events?
I BELONG 2 "SPIRITUAL" GROUPS THAT HAVE A "HIGHER POWER" THAT PRAY AT THE END OF THE MEETING. IT IS THE SERENITY PRAYER.
DO U HAVE A "SPONSER" IN THE GROUP U CAN TALK WITH ABOUT THIS SITUATION?
U NEED A SPONSER.
ASK SOMEONE 2 B YOUR SPONSER WHO HAS SOME TIME AND EXPERIENCE AND HAS BEEN SUCCSESSFUL 4 OVER A YEAR OR TWO.
IS THERE ANYBODY HIGHER THAT U CAN ADDRESS ABOUT THE SITUATION?
IS IT IN A CHURCH?
CONTACT THE SUPERVISOR OF THE BUILDING.
B CAREFUL THO.
IF THE GROUP AND FELLOWSHIP IS HELPING U, DONT B QUICK 2 RUN AWAY FROM A DIFFICULT SITUATION.
WEIGH THE UP AND DOWNS OF THE GROUP.
THE GROUP MUST B OF BENEFIT,
IF IT WASNT U WOULD HAVE LEFT ALREADY.....................
U MUST NOT B WITHOUT PEOPLE AND FELLOWSHIP!
WHERE OR WHO WOULD U TURN 2 IN DISTRESS?
GBU
D
;-]
PS. HOPE I HAVE HELPED. I BELONG 2 AA SINCE 1996. I HAVENT BACK-SLID DURING THAT TIME.
Gethenna: Idk the solution, but the ThePepperMan's idea of contacting a former moderator about this might be helpful. Also, if ENOUGH people are upset about the religious turn the group is taking, maybe you can all stand up against it, unified? I know what it's like to be among religious people as a non-religious one, to feel disrespected or unheard b/c of your beliefs, and out of place, and I hope you can stay in this group that had provided you w comfort and support. I suspect enough people are alarmed/vexed at the sudden religious riptide that you won't wind up being alone in wanting and working to return to the previous secular format of this group. My best wishes to you--hope all is restored again for you.
She means well.. and prayer works...for her. And what is prayer? Prayer is a concerted direction of love energy...into something or someone else...other than ourselves. Prayer thus takes the burden to solve our problems off ourselves...and that is a good thing...produces an incredible, transcendental, lifting effect.
If you don't believe in "God" as in a divine deity, that's fine. Instead of getting pissed at this woman who's only trying to be loving toward you and the others in the group, think of "prayer time" as meditation time, to go deeper into yourself and try to find some love there.