There are a lot of questions asked here on My Depression Connection and I find that many of these questions are requests for resources.  In an effort to make things easier for ourselves I have compiled a list of the resources and links we most commonly give to people on this site to help address their needs.  Hopefully this article will be a resource in itself of essential information for how to get information and support for depression and related conditions. 

So let's begin!

1. My Depression Connection:  You didn't think I would mention depression resources without mentioning our site did you?  In all seriousness, I do hope that anyone who has participated on our site will pass the word along that we have a great community here for both information and support.  If you haven't done so before maybe you would like to create a sharepost. Sharing your experience with others does help.  Or perhaps you would like to ask or answer a question.  Dive in!  We want to hear what you have to say.

2.  Anxiety Connection:  There are many people who suffer not only from depression but also from anxiety.  I am one of these people. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America:  "Nearly one-half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder."  I will be writing on Anxiety Connection starting this month and I hope you look for me there. So if you haven't checked out this site before please come on over. 

3.  Bipolar Connect:  There are those of us, who, in addition to experiencing depressive episodes will also experience what is known as mania.  This mood disorder used to be called manic depression but now is known as Bipolar Disorder.  And many people who have this mood disorder do not get diagnosed with it until they have been suffering with it for years and sometimes decades.  John McManamy leads this site and I can tell you that I have the utmost respect and admiration for John as he has transformed his suffering into helping others.  I visit the site periodically and it is a wonderfully supportive community.  If you have Bipolar Disorder or have a loved one with this mood disorder, please do visit Bipolar Connect.

4.  NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness):   I probably give this link to more people on this site than any other aside from Health Central sites.  If you want to find out about the latest legislation on mental illness, how to fight the stigma of mental illness  or simply find a local support group in your area this is one of the best web sites to find information and support for mental illness whether you are a caregiver or suffer from mental illness yourself.  

They also have an information hotline for you to call:  The Information HelpLine is an information and referral service which can be reached by calling 1 (800) 950-NAMI (6264), Monday through Friday, 10 am- 6 pm, Eastern time.