Guidelines for Submitting a Recovery Story for Publication - Living in the Solution: Stories of Hope in Depression Recovery (working title)

Purpose

We are accepting written “recovery” stories from teenagers, college students, adults and senior citizens especially from the greater Houston area for our new book, to be published in late 2007 or 2008. The authors believe that depression is an extremely common and debilitating syndrome, and that a variety of approaches can be successfully utilized to aid individuals in the management and/or recovery of depression. Contrary to general public opinion, the authors and other Houstonians believe that incredible solutions, support, and strategies are all around us – and that much of it is free or of very lost cost. Our goal is to collect a wide range of recovery stories to provide strength, inspiration, hope and possible direction for teens and adults of all ages who are suffering with this debilitating – but highly treatable condition.

If you or a family member or friend would like to submit a recovery story for our book, Living in the Solution: Stories of Hope in Depression Recovery, below are listed some guidelines for submittal:

1. Stories should be written in “first person” (i.e. “I found that… I used to feel… Now I …”)
2. Stories should be between 600 and 6,000 words in length, and preferably typed. We will consider very legible printing or handwritten stories.
3. We recommend you describe some of the symptoms of your depression (what your life was like while you were in the depressive phases of your life) but emphasize the solution (s) or strategies that have helped you manage your depression or recovery. Be specific as to how you have applied the helpful strategies to your life. Describe what has helped you feel better and /or function better.
4. If your story is accepted for publication in the book, you will have a choice to submit it anonymously (no first and /or last name), or you may have it published using your first and last name. Your preference will be honored.
5. No stories will be returned to the writer. Be sure to include your first and last name, mailing address, and all phone numbers, so we can locate you if your story is chosen for publication. Are stories are to be submitted voluntarily, and there will be no fees paid for recovery stories. If your story is chosen for publication, we will need your permission to contact a close relative or friend to verify the authenticity of your story. It is our goal to strive for publication of true and authentic stories of depression management.
6. We have identified 15 general categories of recovery strategies. Please note which chapter or “solution” you are exemplifying in your story:
   • Medication: For example: antidepressants, mood stabilizers
   • Psychotherapy: Individual, group, marital, family therapy, psychiatric hospitalization, residential treatment, drug treatment, ECT, support groups, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
   • 12 Step Programs: Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Depression Anonymous, PDAP, Overeaters Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, Cornerstone, etc.
   • The Great World Religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.
   • Health, Exercise, and Alternative Treatments: Running, changing diet, hypnosis, yoga, Pilates, meditation / relaxation training, vitamins, etc.
   • Love and Support: Family love and support, the support of friends, the companionship of pets, marriage, church/community fellowship, Internet companionship
   • Creative Expression: Finding solace in creative activity, such as writing, hobbies, art, music, etc.
   • Learning and Education: Gaining wisdom, significant reading, new job training, changing college majors, etc.
   • Role Models and Mentors: Significant people on the path of recovery
   • The Blessing of “the Bottom” and New Beginnings: The hidden blessing of “hitting bottom”, crises, trauma, illness
   • Getting Out of Self: Helping others, volunteerism, public service, social activism, giving back
   • Finding Meaning: Finding a purpose, meaningful work, parenting
   • Change and Risk: Changing jobs, careers, relationships, habits
   • Putting It All Together: Stories that integrate five or more strategies into a successful program of recovery/living
   • Other: Other “solutions” not listed above
7. We are looking for recovery stories from a diverse population, representative of our community:
   • Teens, college students, adults, seniors
   • Homeless citizens, middle income, wealthy residents
   • Temporary foreign workers, rural, suburban and city residents
   • Incarcerated men and women
   • African American, Hispanic, Caucasian, Asian, biracial, etc.
8. Please submit recovery stories and questions to:

   Marilyn Patterson
   Founder of Houston’s Depression Anonymous
   Author of Reach to Recovery: Depression Anonymous
   9123 McAfee
   Houston, TX 77031
   (713) 541-6685
   Web site: www.depressionanonymous.org/yourstory

   Or Martha Fontana, LCSW
   Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist
   6750 West Loop South, Suite 675
   Bellaire, TX 77401
   (832) 778-6750

Thank you for supporting this beneficial endeavor. The project is being dedicated to:

OUR TEENAGERS IN THE HOUSTON COMMUNITY WHO NEED US TO SHOW THEM HOW TO LIVE IN THE SOLUTION – NOT THE PROBLEM

AND

TO THOSE STILL SUFFERING – YOU ARE NOT ALONE, WE HAVE BEEN THERE, TOO, AND THERE IS HOPE