Joining a Chat Room to Help With Depression

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIf You Are SuicidalDepression Chat RoomsBenefits and Risks

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Table of Contents

If You Are Suicidal

Depression Chat Rooms

Benefits and Risks

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Depression chat rooms can help if you arefeeling depressedand need to talk to someone who understands just what it is that you are going through. You can find a safe place to express yourself and get support from others who are also experiencing depression.

Get Help NowWe’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain. Find out which option is the best for you.

Get Help Now

We’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain. Find out which option is the best for you.

However, if you arefeeling suicidaland in danger of hurting yourself, rather than going to a non-crisis chat room, you should seek assistance from your doctor, therapist, or a suicide hotline.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

You can also text to 838255 during these times of crisis. These links are also appropriatefor veterans(press 1 and you will be linked to counselors who have been trained in issues that you may be experiencing).

The Best Online Therapy Services for Depression We Tried and Tested

These organizations provide moderated chat rooms, which means a volunteer is present in the rooms to help make sure that all users are following site rules and treating each other respectfully. These rooms are not a substitute for professional treatment for depression, but you may find the community to be supportive.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)offers peer-led online support groups and forums to give people living with depression and bipolar disorder a place to share experiences and coping skills and gain hope.

Depression Chat Rooms fromdepression-chat-rooms.orgaims to connect people who have issues regarding depression and anxiety. They also welcome people with similar or related health issues such as bipolar disorder and eating disorders. The website is independent, nonprofit, and free. Note that chat rooms on the site are moderated, while forums are not.

Depression Forums

Depression Sanctuary

Depression Sanctuaryis a nonprofit organization created to provide a safe, moderated platform for people with depression to seek support from other like-minded people. Membership is required to participate in the Depression Sanctuary chat rooms, but it’s completely free to join.

Depression Understood

Depression Understoodoffers a depression chat room that is always open. They aim to have a relaxed, supportive, and informal atmosphere.

HealthUnlocked

HealthUnlockedruns in partnership with the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and offers a safe space for anxiety and depression support.

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Be sure to read the etiquette rules for the group, which might include guides on starting new topics, a list of topics that are off-limits, and whether it’s OK to attach images or provide links.

You may also wish to explore whether there are health organizations in your area that offer a form of online intervention ortreatment for depression. If you have a doctor or therapist who is treating you for depression, ask about options you have foronline therapy. Chat rooms provide peer-to-peer support, but therapy (either online or in person) is important for the treatment of depression.

What Is Teletherapy?

The Pros

If you struggle with sharing your emotions, verbal communication via an online chat room might be easier for you. Another perk: anonymity. Some people find comfort in not having to express themselves face to face. This can be especially true if you struggle with depression as well aslow self-esteem.

There’s a lot of solidarity when talking to people who are going through similar situations. Even if you have a supportive group of friends and family, they might not be able to fully understand what it feels like to live with depression.

That said, these forums shouldn’t replace your real-lifesupport system. If you find yourself spending a lot of time online, in lieu of meeting up with friends and family, it may be a red flag that you’re using these forums to replace face-to-face interactions.

The Cons

While the majority of people on these online forums are there to help, it’s impossible to know everyone’s motivation, so you’ll need to exercise caution to ensure your online relationships are healthy and genuine.

Unfortunately, online predators who are looking to take advantage of those who are feeling vulnerable do exist. If someone is making you uncomfortable or ashamed of your depression, block or report the person to the moderator.

While a depression forum is a great place to connect with others and share experiences, it cannot (and should not) replace seeing a professional. If you are experiencing severe depression, it is best to consult with your doctor or a mental health practitioner.

A Word From Verywell

Connecting with others who are going through what you are experiencing can be a positive step. Depression is a mood disorder that causes a constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It may require long-term treatment, but most people with depression feel better with medication, talk therapy, or both. Get the help that can further your journey out of depression.

2 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Prescott J, Hanley T, Ujhelyi K.Peer communication in online mental health forums for young people: Directional and nondirectional Support.JMIR Mental Health.2017;4(3): e29. doi:10.2196/mental.6921Balatsoukas P, Kennedy CM, Buchan I, Powell J, Ainsworth J.The role of social network technologies in online health promotion: A narrative review of theoretical and empirical factors influencing intervention effectiveness.J Med Internet Res. 2015;17(6). doi:10.2196/jmir.3662

2 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Prescott J, Hanley T, Ujhelyi K.Peer communication in online mental health forums for young people: Directional and nondirectional Support.JMIR Mental Health.2017;4(3): e29. doi:10.2196/mental.6921Balatsoukas P, Kennedy CM, Buchan I, Powell J, Ainsworth J.The role of social network technologies in online health promotion: A narrative review of theoretical and empirical factors influencing intervention effectiveness.J Med Internet Res. 2015;17(6). doi:10.2196/jmir.3662

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Prescott J, Hanley T, Ujhelyi K.Peer communication in online mental health forums for young people: Directional and nondirectional Support.JMIR Mental Health.2017;4(3): e29. doi:10.2196/mental.6921Balatsoukas P, Kennedy CM, Buchan I, Powell J, Ainsworth J.The role of social network technologies in online health promotion: A narrative review of theoretical and empirical factors influencing intervention effectiveness.J Med Internet Res. 2015;17(6). doi:10.2196/jmir.3662

Prescott J, Hanley T, Ujhelyi K.Peer communication in online mental health forums for young people: Directional and nondirectional Support.JMIR Mental Health.2017;4(3): e29. doi:10.2196/mental.6921

Balatsoukas P, Kennedy CM, Buchan I, Powell J, Ainsworth J.The role of social network technologies in online health promotion: A narrative review of theoretical and empirical factors influencing intervention effectiveness.J Med Internet Res. 2015;17(6). doi:10.2196/jmir.3662

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