Depression

Sections

Lifestyle & Management

Support Groups

Support groups bring together people who have depression. Members support each other by sharing their experiences in a welcoming space. Support groups are different from group counseling (psychotherapy), where a mental health provider leads therapy for a group.

Support groups may be run by nonprofit groups, mental health clinics, or even one person. They meet in person, online, or by phone.

What a Support Group Can Do

  • Help you connect with others and feel less lonely
  • Teach new coping skills
  • Encourage you to stick with your treatment plan
  • Help you know that depression can happen to anyone
  • Help you learn what to do if medicine side effects appear
  • Help you find community resources

How to Find a Support Group

  • Ask a doctor, therapist, or other healthcare provider for a recommendation.
  • Contact a local, state, or national mental health organization, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
  • Search online for “mental health” and “counseling.”
  • Contact community centers or libraries.
  • Ask friends or family for recommendations.

Finding the right support group can take time. Try a few different groups until you find one that fits.

Lifestyle and Depression

Studies show that people who eat a lot of junk food (foods high in fat, salt, and sugar) have a higher risk of depression. People who eat a Mediterranean diet (lots of fruits, vegetables, and fish) seem less likely to have depression.

Vegetarians (people who do not eat meat or fish) and vegans (people who do not eat any animal products, like cheese or milk) need to be careful to get enough B vitamins and minerals. These groups should ask a healthcare provider if they need the following supplements:

  • Vitamin B6: This vitamin helps the brain make enough serotonin. Serotonin is one of the brain’s most important chemical messengers. It carries signals between brain cells and helps balance mood. Vitamin B6 is found in beans, potatoes, bananas, meat, chicken, peanut butter, and fish such as salmon and tuna.
  • Vitamin B12: Low Vitamin B12 is linked to depression, tiredness, and trouble focusing. Supplements and fortified foods can give older adults the amount they need each day. This group is very likely to have low Vitamin B12. 
  • Iron: Low iron can make a person tired and raise the risk of depression. Iron is mainly found in meat. But you can also get enough iron from a balanced vegetarian diet with plenty of dark green leafy vegetables and beans (legumes).

Exercise and Depression

A person with depression may find it hard to exercise. Research shows exercise can help treat depression and keep it from getting worse. Exercise helps in several ways, including releasing brain chemicals that improve mood.

Exercise can be walking, gardening, or even washing the car. Doing an activity like this for 30 minutes, three days a week, can help.

Here are some tips for getting started:

  • Talk with a healthcare provider about any medical concerns.
  • Find physical activities that are easy to do and that you enjoy.
  • Remember that exercise is a good way to feel better and stay healthy.

Managing Additional Health Problems in Older Adults with Depression

Older adults with depression may also deal with other health problems, such as:

  • Anxiety 
  • Dementia
  • Chronic Pain
  • Insomnia
  • Weight Loss

 

Last Reviewed and Updated: October 2026 
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers 

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