How can support groups help people with clinical depression?
Many people with clinical depression have found a wellspring of emotional support, acceptance, encouragement, and friendship by joining patient support groups. Support group members share their experiences with the illness, learn coping skills, distribute information about new treatments, and refer people to doctors and therapists in their community. To locate a patient support group, call the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (NDMDA) at 1.800.82.NDMDA or the local Mental Health Association, community mental health center, or hospital. Support groups for family members with a relative suffering from clinical depression are also available in many communities. These support groups provide up-to-date information about new treatments and help families find the best medical care in their community. To locate a family support group, call the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (NDMDA) at 1.800.82.NDMDA, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) at
