Online meetings for depression offer people a way to connect with others who have similar experiences. The groups provide comfort, encouragement, and insight into treatment options. They also help reduce the stigma surrounding depression.
Most of these groups are free to join and hosted on video chat platforms. Some are peer-led, while others are led by mental health professionals.
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ADAA
The ADAA offers online support groups for depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. These groups are peer-led and provide an opportunity to share experiences and receive support from other people. The ADAA also offers webinars by experts in the field.
Besides offering online depression support groups, the organization has in-person local groups. It also provides a directory of licensed therapists who specialize in depression, anxiety and related conditions. These therapists are available via email, webcam or online chat. They can also provide telemental health services.
ADAA also hosts an online community on the social networking site HealthUnlocked. This community has more than 59,000 members and features a forum for anxiety and depression. It also has communities for specific populations, such as queer and trans parents or black or South Asian mothers. There are also groups for women experiencing postpartum depression. The ADAA also offers a Spanish-language anxiety and depression support group. Its forums are accessible around the clock and offer a variety of discussion topics.
DBSA
The DBSA is the largest mood disorders-focused support group in America. It provides peer-directed, wellness-oriented, and empowering services and resources online, in rented facilities, in local DBSA chapters and groups, and in mental health care settings nationwide. Their programs focus on improving communication between doctors and patients and stress patient responsibility for their own wellness.
A recent DBSA survey found that the more participants attended a DBSA group, the less likely they were to stop their medications against medical advice and the less barriers they experienced to following their treatment plans. They also reported higher levels of functioning and quality of life than those who did not attend DBSA groups.
These online meetings are synchronous and usually last about 1 to 2 hours. They can include self-assessments, mood trackers, a discussion forum, and other tools to help you manage your depression or bipolar disorder. They can also be useful for educating family members and friends about mood disorders.
BetterHelp
BetterHelp is a telehealth platform that connects people with therapists for sessions via text chat, voice, and videoconferencing. It is a secure and confidential service, and its therapists adhere to HIPAA regulations. It also offers flexible pricing plans and financial aid for those who can’t afford its services.
The website features a list of more than 20 live interactive group seminars, or “groupinars,” that occur each week. Participants share their experiences and offer encouragement to others in the group. The groups follow a structured model, which has been shown to reduce depression symptoms and improve recovery. However, they are not for those who have thoughts of suicide or self-harm. You can still get help from trained crisis responders by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. BetterHelp also doesn’t work with insurance or employers, so it doesn’t share your personal information with those entities. It does, however, ask you to verify your employment status and monthly income to confirm your eligibility for financial aid.
Sanvello
Using the Sanvello app, users can access self-guided options like peer support and educational resources. It also offers interactive quizzes and assessment tools to help track progress over time. The app also has a community chat room that allows users to interact with others who are going through similar challenges. The company’s privacy policy outlines the rules and guidelines for these forums and explains how users can control their personal information.
The premium version of the Sanvello app includes clinically proven techniques based on CBT for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other conditions. Its features include daily mood tracking, guided journeys, and coping tools, as well as one-on-one coaching sessions with mental health coaches. The app also connects with Apple health to track and share data.
The app also offers a clinician dashboard for therapists, psychiatrists, and guidance counselors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s offering free premium access to its app for anyone impacted by the virus.