Where can I find a support group in Boston for people with depression?

September 2, 2015 7:51 AM

I am currently living in the outskirts of Boston (Waltham area) and am able to commute to the city very readily. I am looking for a support group, of the type that is similar to AA, where individuals are in a collective environment and discuss their struggles with depression and other affective mood disorders. The only things I have been able to find are group sessions that are part of a doctor’s treatment which cost money that I currently do not have.

I am looking for something relatively cheap and easy to join. Anonymity is obviously an important component of it as well. I don’t suffer from any addictions or have any kind of drug problems so I don’t think AA would be especially appropriate under the circumstances. I merely want a semi-formal group atmosphere where people can talk about their problems so that hopefully some form of collective effervescence can help us cope with our mood disorders and how we are working on controlling them through therapy, medications, and talking about our everyday problems. Does anybody have any experience with any program similar to what I’m describing? If so, let me know or at the very least Private Message me for various outlets that you know about. The closest thing I have found is a Meetups but I feel that they are not as formal as what I’m looking for. An AA/NA type community and arrangement seems best but I am open to numerous options.

posted by caudal to Health & Fitness (3 answers total)

DBSA might be a good fit for you, if there's a convenient meeting. Here's the group locator. I imagine different groups are run differently, which is both the joy and the curse of peer-run support groups, but the one I'm familiar with (not in Boston) seems like it would be very much like what you're describing.
posted by Stacey at 8:11 AM on September 2, 2015

Yeah, I agree that DBSA isn't perfect, but it's a good place to start. A friend has been to a few of the meetings at McLean, which is a short drive for you, and said there's a sizable group. As with all such groups, give it several weeks, as it can be quite different week to week.
posted by ldthomps at 8:19 AM on September 2, 2015

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Boston might be a good resource for area groups. Also, county mental health centers frequently have these types of groups, so checking their website might be helpful as well.
posted by odayoday at 10:30 AM on September 2, 2015 [2 favorites]