The Fast Facts
- Online support groups and forums can help connect you to other people experiencing depression and provide coping techniques.
- These groups can provide camaraderie and peer support in times of need, similar to in-person support groups.
- 7 Cups provides 24/7 support, whereas NAMI Connection offers virtual meetups with people in your local community.
- Best for frequent engagement: HealthUnlocked by Anxiety and Depression Association of America | Skip to review
Keep in mind
Online depression support groups are not a substitute for emergency services.
In the event of a mental health emergency — if you’re thinking about harming yourself or someone else — call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or use the chat feature at 988Lifeline.org.
conditions supported
When making recommendations, it’s important to us to vet brands and products to ensure the quality of the content and support offered for people looking for mental health support.
Our team of health experts help verify the quality of the resources we recommend. We searched for the best online depression support groups using the following information:
- company reputation and business practices
- if the claims are supported by current scientific evidence
- if there are lawsuits or warning letters from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- if the organization offers an engaged community
- type of support offered
If you’re looking for additional support with managing your depression and connecting with other people, an online support group may be beneficial for you.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when looking for an online support group:
- Do I prefer talking with people through a virtual meeting or reading through posts and comments?
- Would I like support tailored to a specific group, like military veterans, BIPOC communities, or LGBTQIA+ individuals?
- Would I like support tailored to a mental health concern or a group of concerns?
- Would I like family or friends to attend with me?
- How often does the group meet?
Do I need to be diagnosed to join a support group?
Online support groups don’t require the confirmation of a diagnosis to join.
In fact, these groups may be a way to dip your toes into seeking help and sharing your experiences in an anonymous, unbiased space. You may find you relate to other members or notice that advice within the group resonates with your feelings.
While support groups don’t often ask for formal proof of diagnosis, you should talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing any signs of depression.
Getting a diagnosis is the first step to acknowledging you need help. Depression can lead to severe symptoms like suicidal ideation or self-harm, making mental healthcare a critical need.
Medical PerspectiveIt’s important to identify that a group has guidelines regarding conduct; asking the group moderator or facilitator can also provide more insight into how those guidelines are maintained and how any issues are handled. If the group is peer-led, there should still be clear guidelines to review.
Read more about the different care options for mental health.
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Many forums and support groups for depression, like all of the ones in this article, are completely free.
Some platforms, such as 7 Cups, might offer paid therapy options, but this service is separate from peer support.
Support groups can be structured in a variety of ways. Some groups will have an open format where members share their experiences and connect with each other.
Other support groups may have a step process to take members through, or plan activities for members.
The best support group for depression will be one that meets your needs. All of the options in the article provide support for different types of depression, and some may offer community-specific support.
As most support groups for depression are free to use, you might wish to sign up to several and see which one best supports your needs.
Support groups can act as a sounding board for your feelings and provide a positive environment, but they aren’t a replacement for therapy.
Unlike mental health counseling, support groups are facilitated by peers. While these peer-led groups can be filled with insightful tips and shared tools, they shouldn’t be used instead of a licensed mental health professional.
If you’re experiencing depression, contact your doctor to discuss your symptoms and consider speaking with a mental health counselor.
Depression can be an isolating mental health condition, but it doesn’t have to be dealt with alone.
The peer-led nature of online support groups makes them a valuable path to finding people who can relate to you. While depression support groups can be a helpful addition to your mental health treatment, they aren’t a substitution for therapy.
Jillian Goltzman is a freelance journalist covering culture, social impact, wellness, and lifestyle. She’s been published in various outlets, including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Fodor’s Travel Guide. Outside of writing, Jillian is a public speaker who loves discussing the power of social media — something she spends too much time on. She enjoys reading, her houseplants, and cuddling with her corgi. Find her work on her website, blog, Twitter, and Instagram.