Depression Support Chat Topics

Hi guys!

I'm just creating this thread to discuss and announce our Depression Support Chat topics like we talked about.

We had some great ideas for topics last night--if you'd like to suggest any more or remind me of the ones we talked about, feel free!

So glad your chat went well!

Thanks wing!

Hey Depression Support Chat--

I'm looking forward to Thursday's chat. The topic will be:

Depression and Stigma

Questions to think about

-Do you find there is a stigma associated with your depression? How has it affected your treatment and your life in general?

-Do you hide your depression from others because you are afraid of what they will think?

-How have family/friends/acquaintances reacted when you told them about your depression?

-Were you hesitant to seek help or be diagnosed because of your own preconceptions about depression?

-What do you think of the way the media portrays depression and mental illness in general? Does this affect you in any way?

-Do you find there is a stigma regarding antidepressants and psychoactive medication in particular?

-Finally, what do you think we can do to fight stigma and educate people about depression?

Can't wait to see everyone! All are welcome!

How do I join the Depression chats? When are they?

Hi newgal! We'd love it if you joined us. The Depression Support Chat is every Thursday from 9-10 PM EST. To join, just click on "chats" on the menu bar. Starting at 9, there will be a room called "Depression Support Chat." Just enter that room!

I think we had a great chat last night! I'm sorry we had to end when we did, as we really seemed to get rolling near the end. I'd love to hear some suggestions about topics for next week!

I was also wondering what you guys thought about the best way to handle the topics for newcomers to the chat who may not know what the topic is for that week. Some possibilities--I could include the chat topic in the chat description, or I could put it in a welcome message that pops up when you come into the room.

Looking forward to the next chat!

That's kind of past my retreat-to-my-bed-time these days. I'll have to catch it when my mood improves (ironically).

Hi everyone--

This week's Depression Support Chat is tomorrow, June 5, at 9 PM EST. All are welcome!

The topic will be:

Coping Strategies

Questions to think about

-When you are depressed, or you feel like you are about to become depressed, what coping strategies do you use?

-Are all coping strategies created equal? Why do some work and others don't? Are some more harmful than helpful?

-If you don't attempt to use a coping strategy, what stops you?

-How did you learn these strategies, and where could you learn more?

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Just bumping this to remind people of the Depression Support Chat tonight at 9 PM EST!

Hi everyone--

This week's Depression Support Chat is tomorrow, June 12, at 9 PM EST. All are welcome!

The topic will be:

Triggers

Questions to think about

-Are there any triggers that tend to make you feel worse or even help cause a relapse?

-How might you prevent or minimize the impact of these triggers?

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Just bumping this to remind everyone of chat in 10 minutes!

Hi everyone--

This week's Depression Support Chat is tomorrow, June 19, at 9 PM EST. All are welcome!

The topic will be:

Depression and Productivity

Questions to think about

-It can be hard to get things done when you are depressed. Even getting up and taking a shower can seem hard. How do you motivate yourself to do what needs to be done?

-Do you have any particular strategies that work for you?

-If you can't motivate yourself to be productive, how do you cope?

-Do you ever turn to others for help? How?

-What advice would you give to someone who doesn't feel motivated to work or be productive while they are depressed?

Hi everyone--

This week's Depression Support Chat is tomorrow, June 16, at 9 PM Eastern. All are welcome!

The topic will be:

Self-care

(Thanks for the recommendation, UndeadMage!)

Questions to think about

-What is self-care?

-Do you find your self-care suffers when you are depressed?

-What techniques do you/can you use to improve your self-care?

@lubica, self-care is taking care of basic, daily needs. It can include getting up out of bed in the morning, showering, eating right, sleeping well, brushing your teeth, going to your appointments, taking your pills...anything like that.

We'd love to see you at chat tonight!

P.S. Your dog looks adorable!

Hi everyone--

This week's Depression Support Chat is tomorrow, July 3, at 9 PM EST. All are welcome!

The topic will be:

When Life Hits You Hard

Questions to think about

-How do you cope when events out of your control deal you a blow? What do you do when you face issues such as joblessness, deaths of loved ones and divorce?

Hi everyone--

This week's Depression Support Chat is today, July 10, at 9 PM EST. All are welcome!

The topic will be:

Sleep Issues

Questions to think about

-How has your depression affected your sleep patterns? Do you have trouble sleeping? Do you sleep more often?

-How do you cope with these issues?

Hi everyone--

This week's Depression Support Chat is today, July 17, at 9 PM EST. All are welcome!

The topic will be:

Employment Issues

Questions to think about

-How has your depression affected your work life?

-How might you cope with issues that come up related to work and making a living (whether you are employed or unemployed)?

Hi everyone--

This week's Depression Support Chat is today, July 24, at 9 PM EST. All are welcome!

The topic will be:

Mindfulness

Questions to think about

-What does the word "mindfulness" mean to you?

-Have you ever used mindfulness techniques to combat your depression?

-If you haven't, are you interested in learning more about mindfulness?

Hi everyone--

This week's Depression Support Chat is today, July 31, at 9 PM EST. All are welcome!

This week is going to be a "free" chat. Any issues or topics you want to talk about are fair game!

Depression and Escapism.
Depression and Sexuality.
Depression and - any ideas?

I'm just throwing stuff off the top of my head.

Depression and Physical Health
Depression and Hobbies

ok I tried.

Thanks Steiner! Those are great.

Hi everyone--

This week's Depression Support Chat is today, August 7, at 9 PM Eastern. All are welcome!

The topic will be:

Depression and Relationships

I missed it! Ah! So sad. I need to write it down so I remember!