Depression Support. Groups Online

While over at my Xanga Blog (that I'm starting up) awhile ago, I was reading through some of the Xanga members 'pulses'. 'Pulses' are comments/posts on how they were currently feeling and doing. The majority of posters seemed to be from school aged kids, and some of them expressed feelings of depression to different extents.

It reminded me of some 12-step group recovery sites that I visited a few years ago, and finding some beautifully designed pages of poetry expressing hope, beauty and joy, on personal 'recovery' websites. So here I am with a few thoughts about getting depression support from social networking groups online.

The social networking sites (i.e.: blogs, etc.) are one source that searches could be done at to find depression support groups and/or communities. Signing up is a simple process as well as clicking on 'join this community' when you find one that seems like it might interest you. A few resources I've used for searching out groups (as well as developing my own blogs at some) are at:

1) Here at Blogspot ......

2) Facebook .....

3) Google Blogsearch

4) Xanga again, check-out the 'Pulses' of some of the members while you're there

5) Google Groups

A suggestion I have is....that if you are (or are feeling) depressed,......to seek out members that offer hope and encouragement, and include many who are not depressed. Two depressed people trying to help one another can sometimes be a lose-lose situation. It has been my experience that two depressed people can sometimes pull each other down further, rather than having the desired effect of acutually helping each other. It may feel good having somebody to relate to, but if you both feel like dying, you probably are not in a position to help each other much. Seek out members and relationships that are full of encouragement, hope, and resources, instead.

Last reminders: I have an Inspirational Writings section of my website (all free readings and images, individually designed pages) at http://www.rwithcare.com/inspiration.html.

Also, a free Humor Website of mine at: http://www.humorwithcare.com/

Both above sites are in need of some updating and more additions, which I'll try to get done this weekend.

Good thoughts and prayers your way,
~R~