"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 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 depression support 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/ 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. 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 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/
Got An Online Depression Support Group To Recommend?
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