While depression is a terrible disease, there are many support groups and helplines available worldwide, both online and in person.

These can be life-changing for those who feel isolated, exhausted, or unsure where to seek help.

That’s why I compiled this breakdown, categorized by region and type of support:

• International support

1. 1. Befrienders Worldwide

• • • Offers emotional support to prevent suicide globally.
    • Free, confidential, and available in many languages.
    • Find local helplines by country.

1. 2. Mental Health Innovation Network

• • • Maintains a directory of mental health services worldwide.

1. 3. Find a Helpline
      

• • • A global directory offering over 1,600 free, confidential support services via phone, text, or webchat.

1. 4. International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)

• • • Provides a directory of crisis centers and helplines worldwide.

1. 5. United for Global Mental Health

• • • Gives information on accessing mental health support worldwide, including local healthcare facilities and community groups.

• Online peer support

1. 1. 7 Cups

• • • Online peer-to-peer support and therapy.
    • Extends anonymous chat with trained listeners.

1. 2. Reddit – r/depression
      

• • • A large peer support community where users share experiences and coping strategies.

1. 3. HealthUnlocked

• • • Community support forums moderated by health charities.

1. 4. DailyStrength

• • • An online support group platform covering various health challenges, including depression.

1. 5. SupportGroups

• • • Promotes online support groups for a wide range of mental health issues.

1. 6. The Mighty

• • • A digital health community created to empower and connect people facing health challenges and disabilities.

• Specialized support

1. 1. Postpartum Support International (PSI)
      

• • • Supports those experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
    • 1-800-944-4773.

1. 2. International OCD Foundation

• • • Advances support groups for individuals with OCD and related disorders.

• Additional Resources

1. 1. Mental Health America
      • Offers a range of resources, including screening tools and information on finding help.
   2. HelpGuide.org
      • Provides information on various support groups and how to find them.

United States:

1. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988)

• • Free, 24/7 support for mental health crises, including depression and suicidal thoughts.
  • Call or text 988.

2. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

• • Extends free support groups, both online and in-person.
  • Peer-led groups like NAMI Connection for adults with mental health conditions.

3. Mental Health America (MHA)

• • Online screenings, peer support, and community-based programs.

4. Crisis Text Line
   

• • Free, 24/7 support via text.
  • Text HOME to 741741.

5. SAMHSA National Helpline

• • Confidential, free help for mental health and substance use disorders.
  • 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

6. NAMI HelpLine

• • Offers information, resource referrals, and support.
  • 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
  • Text NAMI to 62640.

7. SAMHSA National Helpline

• • Confidential, free help for mental health and substance use disorders.
  • 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

8. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)

   

• • Offers peer-led support groups for individuals with depression and bipolar disorder.

9. Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

• • Provides resources and support groups for those dealing with anxiety and depression.

United Kingdom:

1. Samaritans

• • 24/7 helpline for emotional support.
  • Call 116 123 (free).

2. Mind UK

• • Offers helplines, online peer support through “Side by Side”, and local services.

3. SANEline

• • Mental health helpline that presents specialized emotional support.
  • 0300 304 7000 (4.30 pm–10.30 pm).

4. Togetherall
   

• • An online community for mental health support, monitored by professionals.

5. NHS Support Groups

• • Proposes information on self-help groups and peer support for depression.

6. Shout

• • A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone in the UK.
  • Text SHOUT to 85258.

Belgium:

1. Tele-Onthaal

• • Free and anonymous helpline available 24/7 in Dutch.
  • 106.

2. Centre de Prévention du Suicide (French-speaking)

• • Support for people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
  • 0800 32 123 (free, 24/7).

3. Zelfmoordlijn (Suicide line)
   

• • For people thinking about suicide or concerned for someone else.
  • 1813 (24/7, anonymous).

Ireland:

1. Aware

• • Provides support groups and educational programs for depression and bipolar disorder.
  • 1800 80 48 48.

2. Pieta House

• • Approaches free therapy to those engaging in self-harm or with suicidal ideation.
  • 1800 247 247.

Canada:

1. Talk Suicide Canada

• • Provides 24/7 support for individuals in crisis.
  • 1-833-456-4566.

Australia:

1. Lifeline Australia

• • Offers 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
  • 13 11 14.

2. Beyond Blue

• • Provides support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.
  • 1300 22 4636.

Why do these help?

Support groups and helplines shrink isolation, increase connectedness, and provide coping tools.

These are all crucial protective factors against depression getting worse or suicidal thoughts.

Final note

Support groups and helplines can be powerful tools in managing depression.

They offer connection, understanding, and guidance, often at moments when isolation feels overwhelming.

Whether it’s talking to someone anonymously on a helpline or sharing experiences in a peer-led group, these resources remind people they’re not alone.

While they aren’t a substitute for therapy or medical treatment, they can be a valuable complement, especially during tough times.