|
|
Helping
Ourselves Helping Others
Source:
"Volunteering and Teamwork: How Reaching Out Helps With
Wellness", DBSA Outreach, Fall 2004
Reaching out to others is an
important part of wellness, no matter who we are or how we're
feeling. Just believing in each other's ability to recover and
doing our small part to help others can go a long way for everyone
involved. Though it can be difficult to think about helping others
when we are ill, talking and listening can be the most important
volunteering of all.
Volunteers are the driving force behind every DBSA chapter.
All of the people who run chapters or facilitate support groups started
by coming to DBSA looking for help and relief for themselves. Over
time, they found understanding, strength and health, and now they give
those things to others. For them, volunteering is an opportunity
that brings many benefits.
"The rewards come when there is hope," says Cheryl Murphy
of DBSA Southern Nevada. "Our chapter gives people the
opportunity to learn from others, so their road will be a little easier
because of those who have gone before them.
There is no right or wrong way to volunteer. Whatever your
abilities might be, there are ways you can contribute. As with
every other lifestyle choice, moderation and perspective are important.
|
|
