Feeling overwhelmed or stressed? You are not alone.

According to a 2017 report by the World Health Organization, a staggering 57 million individuals in India, making up 4.5% of the population, live with depression. The reasons for mental health challenges can vary widely, from losing a job to coping with chronic diseases and everything in between, and even beyond. Oddly enough, though emotional upheavals are common, talking about them is not.

And while experts emphasize the importance of a robust support system to navigate such challenges, it’s not necessary that your go-to people get what you’re going through.

This is where support groups come into the picture.

What are support groups?

Support groups are gatherings where individuals facing similar challenges come together to offer one another assistance, often under the guidance of a professional.

These groups create a shared space for members to exchange coping strategies, fostering a sense of community among those burdened by a common characteristic. The support provided within these groups can manifest in various ways, such as sharing information, relating personal experiences, offering sympathetic understanding, and establishing social networks. Some groups also engage in advocacy and public awareness.

Self-help support groups, often referred to as fellowships, peer support groups, or mutual aid self-help groups, are entirely organized and run by volunteers who have personal experience in the subject of the group’s focus. On the other hand, professionally operated support groups are facilitated by experts like social workers or psychologists who don’t necessarily share the members’ problems. Whether self-help or professionally facilitated, support groups play a vital role in fostering understanding, connection, and shared progress among individuals facing similar challenges.

Ahead, we’ve compiled a list of support groups in India that may be beneficial for you or someone you know seeking solace and community to overcome challenges such as anxiety, depression, loss, and more. Because, in times of struggle, knowing that you are not alone can make all the difference.

Note that all the support groups listed here are free of charge, and the majority of them organize their meetings online, thereby eliminating concerns related to cost and distance as barriers to access.

Top free support groups in India

Shades Of The Meh – Anxiety and stress support group

Shades Of The Meh is an arts-based support session, organized by The Mithra Trust, that takes a creative and playful approach, creating a safe space to explore the impact of color in our daily lives. Through practices like scribbling, coloring, and breathing exercises, participants unlearn stereotypes and process experiences. The group focuses on empowering unique identities and building a supportive community.

Medium: Online

Accessibility: Open to everyone

Frequency: Bi-monthly

Umang – LBT Support Group

Umang, a part of The Humsafar Trust, focuses on providing support to lesbian, bisexual women, and trans individuals (LBT). Offering services such as mental health counseling and legal support, Umang creates a space for the LBT community to connect through workshops, social events, and “Chill Outs” with no agenda.

Medium: Online, Offline (Mumbai)

Accessibility: Lesbian, bisexual women, and trans individuals

Frequency: Occasional (No fixed schedule)

The Village – Support group for desi single parents 

The Village is a support group specifically for desi single parents, providing a comprehensive platform for their unique needs including legal, financial, mental, and special education support. With a focus on normalizing conversations around single parenting, the group offers professional assistance while maintaining privacy and integrity.

Medium: Online

Accessibility:  Exclusive to desi/brown single parents

Frequency: Monthly

ASHA Meet-ups – Support for adult survivors of child sexual abuse

ASHA Meet-ups provides a peer-support sanctuary for adult survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) and their allies. Facilitated by survivors themselves, the group explores themes, coping mechanisms, and life strategies to break the veil of stigma and shame, fostering a growing community of survivors and allies.

Medium: Online

Accessibility: Exclusively for adult survivors of CSA

Frequency: Monthly

We Hear You – Support for those bereaved by suicide

We Hear You is a free support group in Mumbai for individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide. Founded by a group with personal experiences of loss, the group provides a space for grieving and healing together, accompanied by suicide prevention advocacy efforts.

Medium: Offline (Mumbai)

Accessibility: People dealing with suicide loss

Frequency: Monthly

Bipolar India – Peer support community for individuals with bipolar disorder

Established in May 2013, Bipolar India is an online community for individuals living with bipolar disorder and depression. This community facilitates compassionate interactions and support among members who share a common goal of helping each other cope.

Medium: Online, Offline (Mumbai, Delhi-NCR)

Accessibility: Individuals above 18 years, living with bipolar disorder & depression, along with their caregivers

Frequency: Monthly

Peer Support – Caregivers – A support group for caregivers

Peer support – Caregivers is a dedicated community for individuals who serve as caregivers to those grappling with mental health disorders or chronic physical ailments. This support group aims to foster connections and provide a supportive space for caregivers to share experiences and navigate the challenges of caregiving.

Medium: Online, Offline (Mumbai)

Accessibility: Exclusively for caregivers of individuals with mental health disorders or chronic physical ailments/aging.

Frequency: Weekly 

Pet Loss Support – A group for pet lovers to manage the loss of pets

Pet Loss Support is an initiative by Swayam Foundation that provides a dedicated community for individuals who have experienced the loss of a beloved pet. Cultural misunderstandings and societal perceptions often downplay the grief associated with losing a pet, and Pet Loss Support aims to create a safe and understanding space for pet parents and animal lovers to share, express, grieve, cope, and heal.

Medium: Online

Accessibility: Exclusively for pet parents and animal lovers

Frequency: Occasionally (no fixed schedule)

Support groups are complementary

It is crucial to acknowledge that while support groups offer valuable assistance, they only serve as a complement to therapy and should not be viewed as a substitute. Each person is distinct, with unique approaches for coping with grief, depression, anxiety, or loss. Take the time to actively participate in a support group for a few weeks to assess its compatibility with your needs. If you find that it doesn’t resonate with you, it is advisable to consult with a mental health professional. Explore alternative groups or formats that better suit your specific needs under the guidance of an expert.