If you’re interested in finding an online meeting for depression, you can find a variety of options. There are national organizations like the Livewell Foundation and COVID, which sponsor meetings by trained facilitators. Depression support groups, or DSGs, are specifically designed to meet the needs of people affected by depression. You can also start an online group yourself if you prefer. But how do you find one in your area? Here are some helpful tips:
Livewell Foundation
The LiveWell Foundation offers free, peer-led online meetings for people with depression. The groups are hosted by trained facilitators and participants sign in using their first names only. Although these meetings are peer-led, they are not intended to replace professional counseling or emergency mental health treatment. For this reason, they are not recommended for people who have recently been diagnosed with depression. Instead, they are meant to provide emotional support and education for people who are experiencing symptoms of depression.
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LiveWell Program participants become facilitators in the programs. They share their personal experiences of recovery and help others in the process. These groups offer support and encouragement while learning new skills for managing their mood and symptoms. These individuals learn new techniques to reduce symptoms, decrease relapses, and improve their overall well-being. There are also free ‘green gyms’ available in many parts of the country, so anyone can go and visit one.
Depression Understood
An alternative to attending a face-to-face meeting, online depression support groups are an excellent option. There are many online forums that offer peer support and a range of social activities. Most of these meetings are led by trained facilitators, so you can rest assured that you’ll receive expert advice and guidance. They also allow you to communicate with other people who have gone through similar experiences, and are eager to help you through the difficult times.
A depressive disorder is a common illness that is characterized by persistent sadness and loss of desire in once pleasurable activities. Unlike a “blue mood,” depression is a serious illness that affects close to 10% of the population. Symptoms of depression can interfere with everyday functioning, causing an individual to feel hopeless and worthless. Fortunately, depression is treatable. There are various medications and psychotherapies available to treat it, as well as self-help techniques.
COVID
Those in the Chicago area have the option of joining COVID online meetings for depression. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance has been enhancing virtual meetings. These meetings are held every Thursday, and participants can join from anywhere. Those battling depression can also join a free 24-hour crisis text line run by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office. This helps to provide support to frontline workers and their families. The Chicago chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness has been increasing virtual meetings.
While the benefits of online meetings are undeniable, there are also several concerns. While it’s possible to engage in virtual meetings, the personal connections that face-to-face meetings provide cannot be replicated. One member, Kaitlin Sullivan, said that she was wary of virtual meetings three years ago because she fell into depression after moving to Chicago. During the meetings, she would go into a zombie-like state, wishing that she didn’t exist.
Zencare
One of the most important aspects of treatment for depression is therapy. While therapy can be effective, many people struggle alone. To help them cope with depression, some health organizations offer online support groups. Some of these groups are moderated by therapists, while others are not. Zencare offers several online support groups, all of which are priced according to their frequency and cost. To find out more, you can visit their website. If you’re looking for an online support group, consider joining one.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance aims to build resilience in people suffering from depression and bipolar disorder. This website features over 600 peer-led support groups and specialized cohorts. It also has several national online support groups on Support Groups Central. The support groups are open to all, and some are even for young adults and family members of those suffering from depression. However, online support groups are not for everyone. Before joining a group, make sure to read its guidelines carefully.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
To find a peer support group in your area, you can check out the Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s online meetings for depression. The organization has over 60,000 subscribers and offers peer-led support groups for people who are dealing with anxiety or depression. Participants can post their stories and seek advice from other members, while also discussing co-occurring disorders, such as bipolar disorder or ADHD. The group is available via desktop and iOS.
If you’d prefer to have a live meeting, you can also join the Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s online meetings. The organization also offers a series of forums, live chat rooms, and blogs where you can talk with others with similar experiences. You can also check out the Livewell Foundation’s peer-led Zoom meetings, which are moderated by individuals who have been in the same situation as you. You can check out the topics and rules for each meeting, which include a “no observers” policy.
NAMI
NAMI online meetings for depression provide a virtual setting for a variety of peer-led groups. These groups meet weekly or biweekly to encourage empathy and empowerment among group members. Meetings are free and open to the public, and participants must be 18 or older. To become a group facilitator, visit NAMI’s website and fill out an application. You can also download the Zoom application and attend a NAMI online meeting for depression.
Online groups can help people overcome their own challenges and gain a greater understanding of the issues they face. The group format is designed to help people relax and avoid the stigma of “faking it” with others. You may feel uncomfortable discussing your specific situation, but you can share your experience in a supportive environment with like-minded people. A community can make all the difference in the world. Whether you’re feeling alone or desperate, NAMI online meetings for depression can be an excellent resource.