Information

NOTICES

“At the AGM, a gentleman asked me if I had any pre-conceptions about the day - I said no but on reflection I did. I imagined the AGM would take place in a large room with Committee members sat on a stage looking down on rows and rows of people. That we would be forced to talk to our neighbours with ice breaker games and there would be a motivational speaker, who had not experienced depression or anxiety, telling everyone to feel good about themselves and to cheer up it as it could be worse.

With that pre-conception it’s any wonder I did go but I did and was welcomed by a small group of big hearted people. The anxiety I felt about entering a room of people I'd not met before soon melted away as I was greeted with smiles. The group eased itself into gentle conversation until the time came to follow the AGM agenda which was straightforward and informative.

Over lunch, conversation continued in a candid but safe environment as we got to know each other.

After lunch we spoke openly in a group - an environment I’m not comfortable with as it makes me very anxious - but the group were encouraging so making a contribution to discussion was easier then expected. Much of the talk focused on encouraging new members to D-UK through self-help groups and if they were a good idea or not. I haven’t been to one for groups as the thought of walking through a door into a group of strangers is frightening. But if the experience can be as positive as attending the AGM I will find the courage to go to my local group. Support was offered to members who may want to set up their own groups if one does not exist in their area. Another form of communication I’ve not been comfortable with is chat rooms (forum discussion) - which D-UK have - so another new thing for me to try in time.

For me, letters from other members printed in the newsletter have been so important. Reading someone else’s story brings comfort, another person sharing their feelings helps melt way the feeling of isolation.

Taking my huge leap joining D-UK has made me realise I am not alone. So thank you for being there.”

BOOK LIST

MEMBERS’ COMMENTS

Thank you so much for your help.

My thanks, as always, for the good work you and the others at Headquarters do on our behalf.

I’ve been depressed for a long time so your newsletter Depression Issues help me a lot.

Thank you all so much for the membership which has been very good for me over several years.

Since joining I have made many friends through the pen pal scheme. I have found their support a tremendous help. I look forward to the post every morning. Being able to compare feelings and emotions with people of all ages that are experiencing depression makes you feel human again. Keep up the good work. You are very much appreciated.

I found the magazine helpful and cheering, and I sympathised so much with the sufferers from this dread complaint, having seen its effects first hand... Thank you for the sterling work done by you and all who organise the Fellowship (Depression UK was previously called The Fellowship of Depressives Anonymous). It was always a comfort to know that one was not alone with the problems of the big D. (a relative)

I love your magazine and have an old copy which I want to pin u on as notice board in my ward. I’ve also shown it to my psychiatrist.

Over the years FDA (The Fellowship of Depressives Anonymous) has been a great help to me, and I wish all concerned the very best for the future. My thanks once again.

Thanks for the Newsletter, which I found VERY interesting. I’d no idea others had the same problems as I have. I admit I cried as I read the Newsletter. I’ve had it stored up for days, but couldn’t get relief, but today I had a good cry and felt better after, but I’m still low.

I wish to thank you for your prompt service over many years. I wish you continued success with your excellent publications.

I look forward to the Newsletter so much, I read it from cover to cover and as I suffer from severe depression I find it helps me a lot.

I would like to thank you for sending me the Newsletter. I have especially enjoyed the jokes.

I am writing to thank you and all the contributors for the Newsletter 139. As I’m going through a bad patch just now, it really encouraged me.

I have enjoyed reading the Newsletter and gained some useful information from it.

I found a good friend by replying to a member’s letter I read in the newsletter.

Many thanks for all the friendship of the newsletters.

The newsletter itself gives me some comfort to know that on ‘Black Days’, as I call them, reading it makes me realise there are others in the same position. Sadly, close family members do not understand our illness.

Having suffered from depression some years ago ‒ hopefully now feeling much better ‒ I do appreciate your regular magazine and the interesting articles included.

Just to say I have benefited from your newsletter very much. It’s a line to other people with Depression.

I am getting better. Keep up the good work. With best wishes to all.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The History of Depression UK

Our understanding of the history of D-UK is briefly as follows:

A programme about Post Natal Depression, broadcast on TV in about 1970, provoked so much discussion between a few concerned people that they decided to form a local depression group and meet up thereafter on a regular basis.

This group proved to be so successful that soon other local depression groups were formed. Eventually, these groups formed an association, mainly for exchanging news and information, which they called “Depressives Anonymous”. Unfortunately, this then duly split into two separate associations because of the differences in policy that arose over the important issue of whether or not depressive members should indeed be anonymous.

Despite later attempts to re-merge, or even work closer together, these two organisations have since gone their separate and distinct ways in which they both do their best to help depressives:

• those who did not want anonymity subsequently adopted the name of “Depressives Associated”, which has since been changed to that of “Depression Alliance”
  
• those who wished to retain anonymity, our own organisation, retained the name “Depressives Anonymous” until they changed it to “The Fellowship of Depressives Anonymous” (FDA).
  

The Fellowship began in 1973 at the suggestion of Nemone Lethbridge and held its first AGM in March 1979. By that time, thirteen issues of its Newsletter had already been published by the association. Production of this much-praised newsletter has continued over the years such that the 154th issue was posted out to our members in July 2009. FDA became a charity in 1979, and changed its name to “Depression UK” in September 2007.

Please contact us if you can add to or correct this history account.

The Organisation of Depression UK

The volunteers include key officers of Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Website officer, Newsletter Editor and Pen/Phone Friend organiser as well as others who contribute. Many of these, including the Trustees, are members of a Management Committee that meets six times a year, usually in London or Birmingham or York.

The Trustees are members (including some officers) who ensure that D-UK is run in accordance with its Constitution and Standing Orders, and meets the requirements of the Charities Commission.

Key decisions about D-UK are taken at the Annual General Meeting, open to all members.

Volunteers receive no pay, but their out of pocket expenses (such as paper, stamps and fares to meetings) are refunded by D-UK.

Five members of the committee have kindly volunteered their services through the auspices of the REACH organisation.

(Page updated: 5 February 2012)