Developing a support system

The "Information thread: Mood disorders" mentions "developing a support system" for treating depression. How do you do that?

Forgive me if my question seems basic. I assumed what is meant by this is turning to friends for help. That hasn't worked for me, I instead learned that I can't count on most of my friends when it would be most needed. (Which didn't exactly send a positive message for my brain in trying to deal with the issues...)

Thanks.

Turning to strangers who may become friends is another way of doing this. Join a group.
I became involved with a church and a number of 12-step groups. My workplace also sponsors charitable events. People helping people. Begin with one and see how it goes.
There are 12-step groups for most any issue. Enjoy a cup of coffee/decaf. You may introduce yourself as a 'newcomer' by a first name (or not at all-just say you are there to listen).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_t ... tep_groups
My friends all know me and have pre-conceived notions of who I am. They also know how to press my buttons.
Finding a new group that is neutral may be a support system that works for you and values your attendance. Reach out to those people.
EA (emotions anonymous) is a fairly neutral group from all walks of life. I'm 59, so many were younger than I, but still there was much engagement and wisdom in the room.
http://emotionsanonymous.org/what-we-of ... ng/us.html
If a particular meeting doesn't work for you, try another one.
P.S. - There is also a Procrastinators Anonymous, but they didn't submit their information in time to be included on the list.
Best of luck to you.

Wally58 wrote:Turning to strangers who may become friends is another way of doing this. (...)
Best of luck to you.

Thanks for the suggestions, but really. Going to look at some options.

The Emotions Anonymous group in my city/country was ended about a week before I contacted them to join.

I'm sorry to hear that they ended. What do you plan to do next?

quietgirl2538 wrote:I'm sorry to hear that they ended. What do you plan to do next?

Thanks. God knows what's next that will actually work. My therapist promised to get in contact with a rehabilitation team. She said it's for schizophrenics and people like that and I said that's fine. I'm willing to look at any option at this point.

That's going in the positive direction. At least there is an option for you at this time. Keep us updated.

There are other 12-step programs that may help. Google: Depressed Anonymous or Emotional Health Anonymous or Anxiety-Recoveries Anonymous or Social Anxiety Anonymous.

You can Google for almost any possible human condition and there is likely a support group for it.

`You shouldn't have to go through this alone. If there aren't face-to-face meetings, then online meetings may be an option.
Of course Psychforums is always here also.
Best of luck to you.

quietgirl2538 wrote:That's going in the positive direction. At least there is an option for you at this time. Keep us updated.

Thanks! I've finally got an appointment with them and I met a woman from the team, now I'm to get an official diagnosis from the psychiatrist in the district, one that allows them to get funding for me from the government (depressive disorders are such diagnoses). Since then I happened to get this official diagnosis from the neuropsychiatrist just a few days after this appointment lol. Anyway I'm getting it in the district too from the psychiatrist, my appointment is in 2 days.

Wally58 wrote:There are other 12-step programs that may help. Google: Depressed Anonymous or Emotional Health Anonymous or Anxiety-Recoveries Anonymous or Social Anxiety Anonymous.

You can Google for almost any possible human condition and there is likely a support group for it.

`You shouldn't have to go through this alone. If there aren't face-to-face meetings, then online meetings may be an option.
Of course Psychforums is always here also.
Best of luck to you.

Thanks. What online meetings do you know of? This would be interesting to me.

Awesome possum! (cheesy saying, I know )

Wow it sounds like you're getting things moving along. Crossing fingers for you that things continue to look good and you find the help you need. Keep us updated, if you can.