Support Groups

Support groups can bring people together who have depression. Members get support from others by talking about their experiences in a welcoming environment. The groups are not the same as group counseling (psychotherapy), where a mental health provider offers therapy to a group of people.

Support groups may be organized by nonprofit organizations, mental health clinics, or even an interested individual. They involve regular meetings in person, on the internet, or by phone.

A support group can:

• Help make connections with others and decrease loneliness.
• Teach new coping skills.
• Encourage a person to stick to their treatment plan.
• Help a person know that depression can happen to anyone.
• Learn what to do when medication side effects appear.
• Find out about community resources.

How to Find a Support Group

• Ask a doctor, therapist, or another healthcare professional for a recommendation.
• Contact a local, state or national mental health organization, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
• Search the internet for “mental health” and “counseling.”
• Contact community centers or libraries.
• Ask friends or family for recommendations.

Finding the right support group can take time, so try to attend a few different ones until you find a good fit.

Lifestyle and Depression

Diet and Depression

Studies have found that people who eat a lot of junk foods (processed foods high in fat, salt, and sugar) have a higher risk of having depression. People who eat a Mediterranean diet (a lot of fruits, vegetables, and fish) seem less likely to have depression.

Vegetarians (they don’t eat meat or fish) and vegans (don’t eat any animal products like cheese or milk) need to be very careful about getting enough B vitamins and minerals in their diets. These groups need to ask a healthcare provider whether they should take the following supplements:

• Vitamin B6: This vitamin helps ensure that the brain has enough serotonin. Serotonin is one of the brain’s most important neurotransmitters (a chemical that carries electrical signals between neurons in the brain). Serotonin is key to balancing a person’s mood. Vitamin B6 is found in beans, potatoes, bananas, meat, chicken, peanut butter, and fish such as salmon and tuna.

• Vitamin B12: A lack of Vitamin B12 is related to depression, tiredness, and lack of focus. Supplements and fortified foods can provide the amount older adults need daily. This group is highly likely to have a vitamin B12 deficiency. 

• Iron: An iron deficiency can make a person tired and increase the risk of depression. Iron is mainly found in meat. But you should also be able to get enough supply of iron from a balanced vegetarian diet that includes plenty of dark green leafy vegetables and legumes (beans).

Exercise and Depression

A person who has depression may find it hard to exercise. Research shows that exercise can help treat depression and keep it from getting worse. Exercise helps for several reasons. Among them are the release of brain chemicals associated with good feelings.

Exercise includes walking, gardening, or even washing the car. Doing this kind of activity for 30 minutes each on three separate days during a week can help.

Here are some tips for getting started:

• Discuss any medical worries with a healthcare provider.
• Figure out what physical activities are easy to do and enjoy.
• Decide that exercise is a good way to feel better and be healthier.

Managing Additional Health Problems 

Older adults who have depression may also be dealing with other health problems, such as:

• Anxiety
• Dementia
• Chronic Pain
• Insomnia
• Weight Loss

Last Updated February 2023