Getting Support
Even though millions of people are coping with depression right now, it's a medical condition that can make you feel completely alone.
One way that some have found helpful to work through this feeling is to join a support group. Whether they meet in person or online, support groups offer a place to talk about depression where people can help each other. Keep in mind that support groups are not a substitute for therapy or medical care. They are also different from group therapy, since they aren't led by a professional.
You may know people—friends, family, or co-workers—who don't understand your condition and are unsympathetic to it. Support groups are a good way to learn to deal with the stigma that can come with depression.
Ask your doctor or therapist for the names of support groups in your area. Here are some organizations that either run support groups or can give you information about them.
Note: The Depression.com Web site contains links to third-party Web sites on the Internet. These links are provided as a service to individuals interested in more information. These sites are not part of the Depression.com Web site, a GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Web site. The content and materials in these third-party Web sites are not produced or endorsed by GSK and may refer to uses of our products that are not recommended by GSK. You should always consult with your physician or healthcare professional before using any GSK prescription product.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
(formerly the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association )
730 North Franklin, Suite 501
Chicago, IL 60601-7204
Toll-free: (800) 826-3632
E-mail: chapters@dbsalliance.org
http://www.dbsalliance.org/
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
Colonial Place Three
2107 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201-3042
Toll-free: (800) 950-NAMI (950-6264). This is a helpline that offers referrals to local support groups.
Phone: (703) 524-7600
TDD: (703) 516-7227
http://www.nami.org
National Foundation for Depressive Illness, Inc.
P.O. Box 2257
New York, NY 10116
Toll-free: (800) 239-1265
Support group information line: (800) 248-4344
http://www.depression.org/
National Mental Health Association
2001 North Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Toll-free: (800) 969-NMHA (969-6642)
Phone: (703) 684-7722
TTY: (800) 433-5959
E-mail: infoctr@nmha.org
http://www.nmha.org
To seek a referral online, visit
http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/help/index.cfm
Online support groups:
Depression Chat
http://www.depressionchat.com
Depression Resources at WebMD
http://DepressionResources.webmd.com
Directory of Online Support Groups
http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Mental_Health/
Disorders/Mood/Depression/Support_Groups/
Freedom from Fear
http://www.freedomfromfear.com/mssgbord.asp
SupportPath.com Depression
http://www.supportpath.com/sl_d/depression.htm
Also of Interest
Support can help you deal with depression. Hear how Mark turned to friends, and Kareema encouraged herself.
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