Welcome to Depression Understood

We offer peer support chatrooms and forums. They are open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. We are a worldwide site with people from all over who use our services.

Chat

We have a moderated chatroom that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The chatroom offers peer support to those in need. Join our supportive community and make some new friends.

Chat Now

Forums

Our forums offer a slower pace of communication for those who may find the chatroom too quick for them. We welcome you to join us and share your story, maybe you want to share some artwork or a poem.

Join Forum

Information

Information on depression and anxiety, what they are, how they can affect people and some treatment options.

Information Page

Crisis Help

Resources for those people in crisis, check out our crisis line database, or see our distraction ideas to help keep you safe.

Crisis Help

How you can help

Want to help us? You can help in various ways, check out our how you can help page by clicking read more below.

How You can Help

Contact Us

Have a question, comment or suggestion for us? Contact us today and we will be in touch soon.

Contact Us

Welcome to Depression Understood

Are you feeling low, anxious, depressed? Experiencing moods similar to this? Or know someone who is? Maybe you're feeling alone and need like-minded individuals to talk to, to help you order your thoughts and explore your feelings. We here at Depression Understood offer many ways for you and others like yourself to communicate and offer peer support to each other for free.

You may be able to greatly improve your overall state of mind by sharing how you feel. Connecting and communicating with others that experience similar issues can offer insight and clarity about why you may feel as you do. It can also aid you in discovering possible ways to change your life and turn it into a positive and even enjoyable experience for yourself and those around you.

You can add us to your support network today, by connecting to our forums and chatroom.

Supportive community members welcoming visitors

Ways I can share my thoughts and feelings

Here at Depression Understood we have a wide range of ways to communicate your thoughts and feelings. We offer:

A free, live, 24/7 Depression chat room which allows you to quickly connect with others from around the world.

Everyone is different, so if the chat room is not for you, please take a look at our forums if you feel more comfortable expressing yourself there.

Our free depression and anxiety forums allow you space and time to communicate your feelings at a slower pace, or even show your creative side by writing poetry or showing your art.

Illustration representing online chat and forum communication

Testimonials

See what our chatters think

Profile photo of community member Ian

I found this site at a time when I was going through a lot of things in life, and to be honest, I still am. Even though I don't always participate in the general chat, I have found it to be a good tool when I have needed to work things out. At the same time, it can be an effective place if you just log in to listen to someone else.

You never know when you may help someone else in need if you just make it a point to be kind to someone else no matter how much you have going on in your own life

Ian

Chatter since: 2022

Profile photo of community member Tangerine

Depression support chat is a safe space in a sometimes turbulent world. The moderators are very diligent in protecting everyone. This site is a perfect five stars rating!

Tangerine

Chatter since: 2015

Profile photo of community member Multiplicity

I've been coming to this chat since 2020 when my life was heading rapidly downhill. This chat, the connections and friends I've made has literally saved my life several times.

I don't know where I would be if this site were not available. I've made friends that I hope are lifelong. I've had support when I needed it. I've had people who understand my thinking and my feelings.

There are mods available most of the time when I've been in the chat. They definitely help keep things focused on support for everyone that needs it. They are also available to help deal with issues in private messages and even with some technical issues.

It's a great additional support in my life. Thank you, to depression understood and the moderators for making this a safe place!

Multiplicity

Chatter since: 2020

Profile photo of community member TaraG

"I found this site several years ago when I honestly thought my life was over. It became my safe place where I could talk without judgement and help some other people. It's seen me through losing a beloved family member, unemployment, severe depression and anxiety, so has literally saved my life. I've tried to help people and that felt good when I thought I was useless. It's my family and friends who don't judge, they only support. It's the one place I always know I'll be safe and sometimes I can help someone who really needs it."

TaraG

Chatter Since: 2022

Profile photo of community member DerpDerp

This site has provided a social outlet for me when I was in deep isolation and suffering the mental health effects of that isolation. As is the case with any social situation - in person or online - there are bad apples and bad experiences from time to time.

But this site has been a net positive for me and has helped pull me through a set of very difficult times in my life. This is both through getting support from others as well as giving it to them. Relating helped me to feel that I wasn't so alone in my pain.

I can only imagine how helpful it would have been during past times of serious hardship if I had a resource like this. Venting to friends - anonymously, at that - certainly would have helped me to handle things more gracefully. Ultimately glad to have found this site

DerpDerp

Chatter since: 2022

Profile photo of community member meowmix

Some of the best people to talk to!

Mods are the best, keep the conversation on topic. It's helped me through the worst of my depression.

Peer-support has been very beneficial

meowmix

Chatter since: 2022

Profile photo of community member DepressedShrimp

I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the incredible support and comfort I found in the depression chatroom. As someone who has been struggling with depression, finding a safe space where I could connect with others who understood my experiences has made me feel not so alone.

From the very first day I joined the chatroom, I was warmly welcomed a few months ago by the community. The atmosphere of empathy and understanding was palpable, and it provided me with a sense of belonging that I had been longing for. It was reassuring to know that I was not alone and that there were others who could relate to the challenges I faced.

DepressedShrimp

Chatter since: 2023

Profile photo of community member Chloe

"Highly recommend this site! I have made lots of friends, and had a lot of support over the years. Its good to know there is always someone there to talk to day or night. I would go as far to say this chat has saved my life a few times."

Chloe

Chatter Since: 2016

Profile photo of community member windsong

"When I first came to the chat I wasn't sure what to expect. What I found was a place that always made me feel welcome and supported. It's seen me through lows and highs. Talked me through the down times, celebrated the good stuff. Happy to feel part of the community. "

windsong

Chatter Since: 2008

Profile photo of community member TaraG

"I really enjoy this chat. I came here years ago when I was in a truly bad spot, and the people here/moderation team are amazing. Yes, sometimes a few bad apples, yes, but the mods tend to clear them out quickly, and if no mod is available the email works really well too.

The people here are amazing. They will help you and give you advice for your life. So far, after 2 years, I truly love this chat, and the people in it they are truly one of a kind and if anybody reading this is struggling feel free to join in."

CuddlyMonster

Chatter Since: 2023

If you're in crisis

This depression associated website is in no means intended as a replacement to any form of professional medical treatment you might be receiving; nor is it intended to be used as a tool/substitute to prevent you from seeking help from your local health care system. This site only offers peer support for depression, anxiety and other health issues. You can view our full disclaimer here.

Please check our menu at the top of the page for links to Crisis Help. We have a worldwide database containing information on support in local areas and we strongly encourage you to seek immediate professional treatment.

Calming visual representing support during difficult moments