Depression hurts and sometimes those closest to you are the least able to help. Fortunately, there are a number of quality depression chat and Internet forum or a message board for anonymous online discussion. Depression forums are sites that allow individuals to communicate in the form of posted messages while a chat room is a website, or part of a website, that offers a venue for individuals with a common interest to communicate in real time. These online ways of communicating can be a way for depressed individuals to discuss their problems with others who can identify with them. For one, a depression chat room or forum is becoming popular among these individuals.
Problems are not the only topic in these forums and chats. You can also gain and give support to fellow individuals who share the same problems as you. Some individuals also use these media to look for someone who is knowledgeable about their queries, including side effects of antidepressants, effective alternatives to antidepressants and tips on how to deal with a family member who is suffering from depression. One advantage of these media is its convenience.
Below is a list and information about depression chat rooms, message boards or forums that covers a wide range of depression topics. However, the depression forum venue is typically not run by professionals. Those who feel that these will not aid them in their depression should seek professional help.
1. The website of Depressed Anonymous (depressedanon.com) provides a depression support group initiative, phone support, newsletter, conferences, seminars and workshops.
2. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance’s site, which can be found at DBSAlliance.org, offers information and mutual support to people and their families with manic-depression illness and depression.
3. The site of Mood Disorders Support Group Inc., mdsg.org, contains education, support, newsletter and assistance to people suffering from manic-depression, including their families.
4. Postpartum Support International urges the formation of support groups that will help those suffering from postpartum depression in its website postpartum.net.
5. The Depression and Related Affective Disorders Association or DRADA provides assistance to self-help groups, newsletter and phone support through its website (drada.org).
6. The website of Manic Depressive Anonymous (manicdepressiveanon.org) has a 12-step program designed for individuals with bipolar disorder to recover from the condition.
7. Rose and Thorns is a mailing list group that supports those who have mood and personality disorders.
8. Walkers Web provides mailing lists that are related to mood disorders in its website walkers.org.
9. The Phoenix Depression Chat is a nonprofit website for those suffering from depression to communicate and at the same time receive and offer support. (freewebs.com/depressionchat/indexchat.htm)
10. Teen Moods, located at teen-moods.net, is a known depression support site that is created by a teenager who is suffering from depression.
11. The Child and Adolescent BiPolar Foundation, bpkids.org, are online message boards that aim to support families of teenagers or children with bipolar disorder.
There are still other online forums that offer similar services and support to individuals with depression. With the popularity of these media, I hope individuals will be able to cope with their conditions. Remember to also seek professional help. Most all health plans cover treatment of depression.