About Us

The Stevenage DA is here to provide information and support for those who suffer or have suffered from depression. We welcome anyone into the group, where you can share your thoughts and experiences in a caring, understanding and supportive environment.

We are a group organized by people with depression for people with depression. We meet regularly where members can discuss their thoughts, feelings and experiences.

Depression can be a misunderstood illness and therefore those who have it can feel very alone and made to feel as if they’re a burden. But you’re not, and through coming to the group we hope you can see there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Stevenage DA is supported by Depression Alliance.  Our group offers information and support but not advice. We can tell people about the symptoms of depression, how it can be treated, etc but we cannot advise on an individual’s condition – that must be left to healthcare professionals.  Therefore group members should understand that whatever is said at a group meeting does not constitute advice or medical opinion, and that no-one in Depression Alliance or in the group can be held responsible for the consequences of any action taken by any group member as a result of attending a group meeting.

  The Group Organisers

  Lorna Garland

I became depressed after finishing university. I worked for a few months but I started feeling very low, became very withdrawn and at the beginning of 2008 with no job hit rock bottom. I lost all self-confidence, cried constantly, and saw no way out of my hopeless, dark pit. I sought medical help, and also at the same time started looking for a support group I could join in Stevenage. This is when I discovered there was no such group for people with depression, so along with my friend Nicola we decided to start our own group. Just from doing research and getting help with developing the group I realised so many other people are suffering from this illness as I had, this comforted me to some extent, as I saw I was not alone. So that’s why I think coming together with others is so important in the recovery process and also bringing this illness to the attention of the wider public. Depression is indiscriminate, it can happen to anyone, but you don’t have to face it alone.