12 Step Program for Depression and Anxiety

Finding a 12 Step Program for Depression and Anxiety

When you feel depressed and anxious, completing simple daily tasks become difficult, if not impossible. It is not unusual for a depressed individual to not want to venture outdoors at all, let alone participate in a depression treatment program. However, a 12 step rehab has the potential to offer the guidance, support and other tools necessary for you to live your life free of the despair often felt by depressed individuals.

How Does a 12 Step Program Help?

Documentation supports the fact that 12 step programs helps people suffering from depression. Research published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that when clients participate in a 12 step program for depression, those involved in 12 step facilitation (TSF) had significantly lower levels of depression during active treatment as compared to those only receiving Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT).

Can I just get over it?

This is one of the myths associated with depression and anxiety. While everyone experiences periods of sadness, frustration or feeling “blue,” depression is much different. When you experience actual depression, you lose motivation to even fulfill your normal activities of daily living such as everyday housework or even taking care of daily hygiene. You no longer enjoy activities you used to enjoy. You no longer feel like socializing.

You cannot treat depression yourself. Friends or family members tell you to “Just get over it,” or to “Snap out of it.” Well-meaning people tell you to “Get out of the house and you will feel better.” When suffering from depression you cannot snap out of it. You cannot very well get out of the house and socialize when you do not feel like getting out of bed. You need treatment and a 12 step program for depression offers the ideal treatment for many individuals suffering from depression.

How will I benefit from a 12 step program?

The most important factor in depression treatment is that the treatment program offers competent, professional care. The American Psychological Association explains that “Persons with depression who do not seek help suffer needlessly,” and that untreated depression can actually worsen without treatment.

In a 12 step program for depression and anxiety, you learn that others suffer the same symptoms and feelings that you suffer from. You learn how to deal with your feelings of hopelessness and despair and regain the motivation to perform the same activities you used to perform at home and on-the-job and how to enjoy family and friends once again.

Treatment professionals realize that you cannot achieve full recovery in just a short time. In a 12 step treatment program, you learn and complete steps at your pace, not the pace of everyone else in the 12 step depression rehab program. Treatment professionals do not pressure you, but rather guide you, providing the support and treatment you need.

What if I Have a Dual Diagnosis?

Just because you have co-occurring disorders does not mean you cannot succeed in a 12 step treatment environment. In fact, when discussing the likelihood of individuals with mental health disorders attending a 12 step self-help group (SHG) as often as those with only a substance use disorder (SUD), “With the exception of patients with psychotic disorders, these dually diagnosed patients are as likely to attend 12-step SHGs as are patients with only SUDs,” according to results published in “Outcome Research on 12-Step and Other Self-Help Programs.”

Can I Just Talk to Someone and Recover from my Depression and Anxiety?

Talk Therapy is an important component of many treatment programs. However, completing a 12 step program specifically for depression helps individuals suffering from depression recognize each of their symptoms, regain motivation needed to live a happier, more fulfilling life one step at a time. Individuals learn what to do in case of relapse or worsening of their depression symptoms.

Seeking a 12 Step Depression Rehab Near Me (You) for Treatment

Staff and administrators at 12 step depression treatment programs have the training and expertise to help you. Taking the first step to make the call to get help is not easy. However, program staff understands and will guide you through the process and answer your questions.

The Treatment Specialist will connect you to a treatment center who will provide a free confidential assessment and insurance verification.  For more information on treatment programs for yourself or a loved one, contact the helpline at (866) 644-7911.