A support group for people with depression is a low-barrier gathering of like-minded peers. Meetings take place regularly, either in person or online, and are often organized by those affected themselves. The primary focus here is not on treating the illness, but on mutual support. In this type of safe space, participants can speak openly about their feelings, fears, and daily experiences without facing judgment. Sharing with others helps organize one's thoughts, draw hope, and support the recovery process. Relatives and loved ones are also increasingly finding their own dedicated groups to better cope with the emotional toll.

In a support group, people with depression often experience for the first time in a long while that they are not alone in how they feel. This can feel incredibly liberating and reduce feelings of shame. Others in the room know exactly what it feels like to be completely lacking drive, exhausted, or empty inside. Peers share strategies that help them manage daily life, such as dealing with relapses, medication, or experiences with therapy. Seeing others gradually get better strengthens one's own belief in making progress. For people with depression, who frequently report a lack of drive and tend to withdraw from their social circle, participating in a support group offers a way to become more active in life again. Attending a group helps break through isolation and build new, meaningful social connections. Another major advantage of support groups for depressive illnesses is that these regular meetings establish a routine and a sense of accountability. Having a structured daily routine is a crucial factor, especially when managing depression.

It is not just those directly affected who experience hardship; relatives and loved ones of people with depression are also frequently under significant pressure. Feelings of helplessness, constant worry, and the urge to "do everything right" can become deeply burdensome. Support groups for families and friends of people with depression offer a safe, confidential space to share experiences, find emotional relief, and learn how to navigate the illness. Connecting with other relatives helps build understanding, both for the condition itself and for one's own personal boundaries.

A central point of contact in Germany is the Federal Association of Relatives of the Mentally Ill (Bundesverband der Angehörigen psychisch erkrankter Menschen – BApK), which provides information and resources for loved ones and helps connect individuals with regional support groups. You can find more information at www.bapk.de.

It is important to note that support groups are primarily suitable for individuals who are not currently experiencing an acute phase of severe depression. During these intense phases, it is often incredibly difficult for those affected to find the motivation required to join a group. Therefore, support groups are particularly helpful for those who are currently outside of acute phases and are looking for ways to manage the illness over the long term.

In almost every major city, there are support groups available, and there are often dedicated support group resource centers (Selbsthilfekontaktstellen) that provide information and contact details. Here are a few tips to help you find the right group:

• Research Online: A great starting point is NAKOS, Germany's national coordination center for support groups (Nationale Kontakt- und Informationsstelle zur Anregung und Unterstützung von Selbsthilfegruppen). On their website, NAKOS – Nationale Kontakt- und Informationsstelle zur Anregung und Unterstützung von Selbsthilfegruppen , you can search for local support groups near you. NAKOS also provides extensive resources on the topic of peer support and how to start your own group.
• Contact Local Support Group Resource Center: Resource centers in your city or region can guide you toward a group that fits your needs. These offices frequently offer counseling and logistical assistance if you wish to start a new group. For more details, you can visit the website of the German Association for Support Groups (Deutsche Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Selbsthilfegruppen).
• Look for Open and Anonymous Groups: Most support groups are open and anonymous, meaning new members can join at any time without meeting strict prerequisites. This makes it much easier to take the first step and allows you to try out different groups.
• Visit Multiple Groups: It can be highly beneficial to attend a few different depression support groups before committing to one. Every group has its own unique dynamic and atmosphere. It is crucial that you feel comfortable and safe. Don't be discouraged if the first group isn't the right fit. Try to remain open-minded until you find the setting that works for you.
• Ask Your Doctor or Psychotherapist: Doctors and psychotherapists often maintain close networks with local support groups and can provide tailored recommendations. They can also help you find a group that matches your personal needs.

An Additional Resource Note

Patient organizations such as the German Depression Aid (Deutsche Depressionshilfe) and non-profits like Freunde fürs Leben e.V. offer valuable support and insights for people with depression and their loved ones. These organizations provide comprehensive educational resources on the illness, offer counseling services, and foster community exchange. They are also actively involved in public awareness campaigns, advocating for better healthcare access and greater social acceptance of mental illness.

A depression support group is not a substitute for professional treatment, but rather a valuable complement. While psychotherapy and, if necessary, medication form the medical foundation, a support group strengthens the social and emotional dimensions of recovery. Many of those affected report that the group helps them become more open and gives them the courage to seek out therapeutic support in the first place.

Digital resources can also help support the path to stability. Digital health applications (DiGAs) offer you the opportunity to access psychological support at any time, whether it is between support group meetings or your therapy sessions.

You can access early, personalized help with deprexis—a digital therapy program for the treatment of depression that is always there for you. To help you find your way to greater self-care step-by-step, deprexis supports you with a personalized program, exercises for managing excessive overthinking, and practical peer-support strategies.

deprexis is available to you free of charge with a prescription—the costs are fully covered by your health insurance. This means your doctor or psychotherapist can prescribe deprexis for you, and you will receive an activation code for the program. As soon as you have the code, you can easily redeem it on our website and start using deprexis right away.