Best Depression Support Groups
Online and Offline
I have come up with a list of the best depression support groups, online forums and chat rooms. Most of these groups are available online but I also provide other resources to find local meetings for those who are interested.
It is VERY HELPFUL to find support groups where others are ready to listen and give you their love and encouragement. You can alleviate your pain by talking to other people that have gone through similar situations.
These are friendly spaces that will gently remind you that you are not alone.
First a word on terms:
‘Support Groups’ are groups where meetings are held and lead by one Moderator/Lead Guide. These meetings can be held “virtually” through the internet or locally in the appointed meeting rooms in each city.
'Forums' refers to board style community where users can post their own messages, read and respond to messages posted by other members of the same forum.
'Chat' refers to 'real-time' exchange of text messages. It is very similar to the instant messenger software, the only difference is that chat occurs in a group setting with many individuals chatting at the same time.
To join any of these support groups you first need to register. There is usually no charge at all but some group meetings ask for a voluntary contribution or donation.
Online Support Groups and Forums
These are the top sites to visit when looking for online support:
Depression Recovery Groups
This is a wonderful place to find group meetings. This group stands at the top of the list of places to find support.
Participants can join the online meetings from any place in the world as long as they have a computer and an internet connection. The meetings are led by a trained Group Leader. These meeting are confidential and anonymous. You choose how involved you would like to be. If you don't feel comfortable talking - it's O.K. to just listen. They have meetings almost every day.
They ask for a voluntary contribution to keep their “lights on”.
Psych Central
Psych Central's online depression support group allows you to read other people's experiences with depression, and also provide your own (if you'd like). In here, you will find both options, forums as well as chat rooms.
The Psych Central Community is one of the longest-running online mental health communities, since 1999. Its forum is probably the largest forum available on line. You can find specific forums about specific topics like, post-partum depression, teens depression, bipolar, anxiety etc.
Depression Forums
This is also a well established forum that offers support to people suffering from depression. Their atmosphere is both supportive and informative. It provides a safe environment for their members to talk to their peers about depression, anxiety, mood disorders, medications, therapy and recovery.
Depression Tribe and Anxiety Tribe
Depression Tribe and Anxiety Tribe are a network of online community websites designed to bring people with similar life issues together from around the world who are in need of support.
Befrienders.org
The main aim of this organization is to give emotional support to people when they are suicidal. In their centers they also alleviate loneliness, despair and depression by listening to anyone who feels they have nowhere else to turn.
For Local Meetings
If you rather find a local group that you can attend in you city, please check out the following resources:
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
DBSA is one of the largest depression support groups. It is an organization run mostly by donations that has helped saving many lives.
On this website you can find information about local meetings as well as join their online support groups. There is even information and support in case you want to form your own support group.
Emotions Anonymous
Emotions Anonymous is a twelve-step organization, similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. Their fellowship is composed of people who come together in weekly meetings for the purpose of working toward recovery from emotional difficulties.
EA members are from many walks of life and are of diverse ages, economic status, social and educational backgrounds. The only requirement for membership is a desire to become emotionally well.
Meetup
Meetup is an online community that features meetings about ANY subject you can think of. The link above will take you to a list that provides all the depression support groups and meetings that are held around the world. To contact any of those groups you need to register as a meetup user. There is no charge to join.
Forums on Specific Topics
Anxiety Forum
Anxiety Forum provides a means for anxiety ridden people to share their experiences concerning anxiety.
Each visitor will find companionship and will be welcome to express their feelings through a non-threatening environment. The community has reached over 81591 members during the years it has been in service. Joining the anxiety forum is free.
For teens with depression:
Teen Moods
A very “spot on” forum founded by a teenager years ago. It covers the most important questions and concerns that teenagers face.
Helping Teens.org
A teen support network that includes: Forums, Live Chat, Resources, and Articles on diverse topics including friendship, school, sex & sexuality, suicide prevention, job-hunting, smoking and much more.
Your Feedback is a Treasure!
My deepest desire is that you find a support group that truly helps you find some relief, where you can feel comfortable sharing your feelings and concerns and finding companionship.
I am very interested in your feedback about these groups. If for any reason you encounter any problems with any of the groups I list here, PLEASE
let me know
so I can modify this page accordingly and we can all build our list of the VERY BEST DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUPS in our community.
Also, if you have tried another great support group and it is not listed here please use the form below to send me either the link or the information so I can add it to our list. I thank you in advance, for your suggestions as all FEEDBACK IS HIGHLY APPRECIATED!
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