Guide to Depression Support Groups in Los Angeles

Depression has been a part of my life for almost ten years. It has impacted my life, my family and my friends. It is very difficult to control my mood swings since I am bipolar, but having an outlet helps me deal with it. I attend a support group at least once a week and I also call up other members in my group when I am feeling down. One day I decided that living with depression was not living at all and decided to do something about it. I went to psychologists, but I felt disconnected while there. I feel at ease when in a support group and there is some comfort in knowing that I am not alone and that other people feel the way I do. Here are a few support groups I have attended or heard about in the Los Angeles area.

Los Angeles
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
5901 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 405
Los Angeles, CA 90036

This group meets every Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm at the Olympia Medical Building. The meetings are ran by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) and they are a national organization. I enjoy these meetings because they focus on how to manage depression. They also have a ton of information on their site.

Child Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
Pasadena, CA

This group is a bimonthly lunch meet up in Pasadena for parents with children who are bipolar. I would occasionally attend this lunch meeting with my mother and meet other children like me. They meet at noon and discuss information on local resources, schools, doctors and exchange tips. You can call 323-550-8444 to find out when the next meeting takes place.

Depression Anonymous
SHARE Center, 5521 Grosvenor Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90066 (310) 305-8878.

Meetings are held at 8:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at the SHARE Center. They follow a similar method to the 12-step program. They are not run by a therapist, but rather people who have depression and provide a ton of emotional support.

National Alliance on Mental Illness
Los Angeles, CA
(310) 450-2074

The NAMI offers a multitude of support and activities in the Los Angeles area. They have walks, meetings, peer-to-peer support groups and many resources on their website. Their main goal is educating other people on Depression and other mental illnesses. Visit www.namiurbanla.org/ to participate in an activity or find a meeting time.

West Los Angeles Emotional Support Group
http://abusesurvivors.meetup.com/212/

Check out the West Los Angeles Emotional Support Group on Meetup.com. I have been to a few meetings and they really help you understand your depression in an alternative way. This group is like a large discussion with a question and answer series afterwards. Check out their page for location, dates and times.

To find a support group in a town near you visit the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance website. You can find information on how to learn about your depression and how to help others who have depression. Visit www.ndmda.org for more information.