"What do you look for in an Online Depression Support Group?"

We�ll share some good things about them, some bad and where to look for the good online depression support groups�

You need people around you � good ones � to help you recover from depression! If you�ve read our free report 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 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 depression support group? "

An online depression support group can be less scary to join and a place to just vent and call out for help. You can literally connect with people like you around the world! It�s a place that people often are more willing to take their masks off and be real. You can also be anonymous. Yes, it may seem that I just contracted myself but actually I didn�t. You are free to express your true hurts and pains but do it without embarrassment.

Okay, so what are the setbacks and things to remember in an online depression support group?

Problem: An online depression support group lacks privacy.

Once you make a post, it is archived on the internet for all to see. I mean, we all say things at one time or another that we wish we wouldn�t have said. For example, I found a post someone did back in 1994 that had me thinking � �yikes, I�m sure she now wishes she hadn�t posted that on the internet!� This can be scary for you if you post something about your depression that you wouldn�t want your employer, or potential employer to know. Even your opponent in a divorce or custody battle or anyone else who wants to dig up dirt on you has access to your words just by a search on Google!

To prevent this embarrassment in online depression support groups:

Avoid the privacy problem by using a Yahoo or Hotmail email address and choose a username both for the email and for the forum that is merely a �nickname� and not your real name. Your �nickname� should not be one that another reader could connect to what your true name is.

Problem: In online depression support groups, you can easily be misunderstood.

Words on a page or the internet are often misinterpreted because there is no face to face interaction. You can�t easily clarify what others have said. Because when you�re depressed, you are more sensitive, that makes matters worse in this method of support.

What to do to prevent misunderstanding?

Give people the benefit of the doubt and don�t jump to conclusions before clarifying someone�s comments if you are offended. Breathe, cool down and ask for clarification. Don�t take things personally.

Problem: Lack of knowing and understanding the internet.

Online depression support groups can have an etiquette guide. There are do�s and don�ts for a support group. Check for the FAQs or email the moderator to ask for guidelines.

Problem: Lack of good leadership.

If an online depression support group doesn�t have a good moderator or administrator, your support group may be worse than no group at all. After all, you don�t want to make your depression WORSE!

Ask yourself: Are they dominating the discussion? Do they have their own personal agendas for this group?

Look for an online depression support group that has an active moderator and clear guidelines against disruptive behaviour and profanity. After all negative thinking only makes depression worse!

Problem: Hoaxes

An online depression support group can be anonymous as I mentioned � no one knows who you are. But, often hoaxes can come about this way too. For example, the worst is the suicide hoax. People claim they are friends of a forum member and say that person committed suicide. Why would they do that? They want the attention and sympathy. How awful and pitiful!

Problem: Advice

Online depression group forums can offer advice but not all advice is great advice. You need to measure that advice with quality research (such as the research we have done on this site thanks to medical journals and the like). Check your sources!

So, here is the bottomline 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.) I recommend first finding an excellent depression counselor.

"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 these forums 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

Touchingminds.org/ (formerly Trappedminds.org)
Peer to peer online depression support 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/

Psych Central Depression Forum
http://forums.psychcentral.com/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=depression

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/

Yahoo Group - Depression Support1 Group
This is a depression support group to offer support and caring for those suffering any kind of depression. It is a friendly, caring and supportive group for everyone. It is not for medical advice, but to offer ideas and support to those who need it. To share experiences, and learn from others who may have the same symptoms as you. There are some guidelines for the group which you will get upon joining. Also no flaming or harassing other members on or off the list. Promoting other groups without checking with owner is not permitted. Also offensive language will not be permitted on the list. Not abiding by guidelines could cause loss of membership to the group.
URL: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/depressionsupport1/?yguid=1798168

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/

Health Central Depression Connections
Find support, advice and friends who've been through the cycle of depression--and understand what you're going through.
URL: http://forums.healthcentral.com/discussion/depression/forums/a/frm/f/3981011

MaleDepression.com
A guy-friendly site for men suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, irritable male syndrome and other mood disorders, as well as their loved ones.
URL: http://www.maledepression.com/index.php

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

Christian Depression Support
Here you will find our stories - how we were lead to Jesus Christ and how we deal with the disease of Depression.
URL: http://www.miraclepro.com/cds.htm

The Ranch Organization - You can listen to music that will clear your mind, hear a story thatwill touch your heart, or watch a message that will stir your soul. Andif 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

BellaOnline Forums: Depression � A forum for Women
URL: http://forums.bellaonline.com/postlist.php?Cat=0&Board=80

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/

http://hopeline.com/

Canada Help:

http://www.suicideinfo.ca/csp/go.aspx?tabid=77

http://www.suicideinfo.ca/

Other Countries:

http://www.befrienders.org/