"What do you look for in an Online Depression Support Group?"
We’ll share some good things about online depression support groups, some bad and where to look for the good groups…
You need people around you – good ones – to help you recover from depression! If you’ve read our free e-course on the ‘6 Key Ingredients to Beat Depression’ , you’ve already learned this. You can’t fight this thing alone.
Social support is a key ingredient to defeating depression.
What if you lack this support from your family and circle of friends?
Face to face support groups and finding an excellent depression counselor are highly recommended and we encourage you to check these out in your area. But, what if you lack the courage to attend one or if there isn’t such a group in your area? An online depression support group is another option to consider…
"What are the benefits and the setbacks of an online group?"
Here is the bottom line on finding and using an Online Depression Support Group...
- Protect your identity.
- Speak your mind clearly.
- Don't take things personally.
- Know the forum rules and abide by them.
- Look for ones with good leadership.
- Beware of hoaxes.
- Measure the advice against actual research. (We did this and as a result put our findings into this website.)
"What are some sample Online Depression Support Groups?"
Need someone to talk to? Need someone who understands what it’s like to deal with depression?
Joining an online depression support group just might help you find the people who understand what you're experiencing.
Here is a sample listing for online depression support groups...
(We are not associated with any of the online depression support group forums listed below in anyway and so are not responsible for their content.) Please check them out and choose one that meets your standard. Remember to look for one with positive focus and true help and encouragement.
Don't forget to read our free report on
6 Key Ingredients to Beat Depression to use as a help guide too! You will be glad you did! (Opens in a new window.)
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Local DBSA chapters offer peer-run support groups as well as other services such as educational sessions, newsletters, lending libraries and special events.
http://www.dbsalliance.org/support
Depression Boards
An Online Depression Support Group and Mental Health Forum, providing support and encouragement for mental health issues and recovery.
URL: http://www.depressionboards.com
Touchingminds.org/ (formerly Trappedminds.org)
A peer to peer online depression support group using options such as an IM link, live chat, journals and links to local mental health facilities and providers.
http://www.touchingminds.org/
Mixed Nuts Depression Forum
A depression community with chat, message boards and information on depression, depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, manic depression, medications, side effects and treatments.
http://www.mixednuts.net/
Beating The Beast Forum
http://www.beatingthebeast.com/forum/
Rose and Thorns
Roses and Thorns is a mailing list support group for those who suffer from diagnosed mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder and depression), as well as personality disorders (and including disorders such as DID, PTSD, BP, SAD, etc.).
URL: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/rosesandthorns/
Recover Your Life
A site dedicated to people who self-injure or self-harm, and those who suffer from eating disorders or depression, packed with things to do from distractions and information, to support forums and a chat room.
URL: http://www.recoveryourlife.com/
Depression Forums
Depressionforums.org is an open peer discussion of depressive illnesses and treatment options. Their mission is to continue to create an atmosphere that is both supportive and informative for our members, as a caring environment for members to talk to their peers about their depression, anxiety, mood disorders, medications, therapy and recovery. Their vision is to advance public awareness of mental health issues, as to eliminate the stigma of depression and other mental disorders.
http://www.depressionforums.org/forums/index.php
Teen Moods
Teen Moods is a popular, well-designed depression support community created by a teen with depression. Open to all including Teens, Parents, Doctors, etc. Highly recommended for teens dealing with depression looking for others who face similar kinds of feelings.
URL: http://www.teen-moods.net/
Emotions Anonymous
A 12-step organization for recovery from emotional difficulties.
URL: http://www.emotionsanonymous.org/
Forums.Healthyplace.com
Features chat rooms, hosted support groups, online journals, psychological tests, mental health news, videos and a radio show.
URL: http://www.forums.healthyplace.com/
Befrienders Worldwide
Suicide-focused site featuring warning sign information and a worldwide hotline directory.
URL: http://www.befrienders.org/
PPD Support Page
Offers postpartum depression (PPD) peer support via posting boards, chat rooms, and email listserv, as well as a wealth of resources, personal stories, and more.
URL: http://www.ppdsupportpage.com
Depression - Christian Forums
A new subforum for the support of those suffering from depression.
URL: http://christianforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=393
Christian-Depression eSupport
An e-mail discussion list for people wishing to discuss how depression affects their Christian walk. Discussion is open to prayer, posts about treatment and day to day events of members lives. The list is closed in the sense that the list owner must approve requests for subscription:
URL: www.egroups.com/group/christian-depression
The Ranch Organization - You can listen to music that will clear your mind, hear a story that
will touch your heart, or watch a message that will stir your soul. And if you feel like talking, pull up a chair. Therapeutic and innovative site with reflections, chat and resources.
URL: http://www.theranch.org
HopeKeepers ® Magazine offers spiritual support to those who live with a chronic condition. What is the definition of a chronic illness? Anything that causes continuous pain or an incurable illness. This can include fibromyalgia, diabetes or heart disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraines, back pain.
URL: http://www.restministries.org/hk_mag/about.htm
The Samaritans Organization - trained volunteers are available 24 hours a day to listen and provide emotional support. You can call a volunteer on the phone, or e-mail them. Confidential and non-judgmental. Short of writing to a psychotherapist, one of the best sources of online help.
URL: http://www.samaritans.org/
Suicide Help:
Feeling suicidal? If you feel like you want to harm yourself, call someone! Call a trusted friend or medical professional. Call your counsellor, call 9-1-1 or a suicide hotline, where trained individuals can assist you.
U.S. Help:
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Canada Help:
http://www.suicideinfo.ca/csp/go.aspx?tabid=77
Other Countries:
Got An Online Depression Support Group To Recommend?
Related Articles
6 Key Ingredients to Beat Depression
Read more about the benefits of Group Support
Need to talk with a counsellor?
Back to Home from Online Depression Support Group
One Woman's Cure Depression Story and Research Findings That Is Changing Lives in Over 120 Countries To Date.
What people are saying about the cure your depression research...
“Your web site is absolutely fantastic! We will refer all of our clients to your web site.” –Anthony, Director of Mental Imaging Clinic, Las Vegas
"Hello Merri Ellen I am a therapist who runs out patient programs for people with mental health issues. One of my clients alerted me to your depression site today and I am impressed by both your energy and your generous contribution to others suffering with illness. Thank you. I have just completed reading through your info. Found it to be a wonderfully informative resource and will not have any problem in passing on your website address to some of my clients. The greatest value is in the fact that you have been a consumer and have a very different understanding than others may have. This allows you to be heard a little more readily sometimes. I thank you for your courage and wish you good health always. Regards" - Sue
"I was on Wellbutrin and Prozac until using your techniques… I haven’t felt so good for so many consecutive days in 20 years... Thank you for your website and your incredible tips!!!" - Robyn, former depression sufferer
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"I am 63 years old. Went through severe depression about 5 years ago. If I had ended it all, I wouldn’t have the joy in knowing my new grandchild. I followed the steps on this web sight and I’m certainly glad I did. I feel your pain, I hope you can find your way out. No one can do it for you. I’m off all medication and still experience sadness and disparities but those times do not last. I am cheering you on my peaceful home in Tulsa. Don’t forget to do your light therapy. Journaling helped me, Keep moving forward, you may find joy in your life next year." - Anonymous post in our Forum :)
"As a licensed clinical social worker and a woman with a life-time history of depression, I really commend you on the work you have done on this site." - Robyn, Social Worker
"I have been depressed for most of my life, have read many books and articles have taught others about depression, have taken various antidepressant medications. I have begun taking your advice on how to overcome depression for just over a week now.
I am encouraged at what i have read and i have put into practice what has been suggested. I have found that the research of Merri Ellen is very good, it is practical and makes common and medical sense. I fully agree that the medication is only part of the cure for depression, in that it takes away some of the worst symptoms of one's depression. The time to do something about one's depression is when the bad edge has been taken off. I have started the process you recommend and i am encouraged at my progress so far.
The big difference is that i have taken a decision to carefully put into practice what i have been told. So far so good and thank you for your advice. It has been a blessing to me." - Tony
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