Depression Support Group

• Welcome & Group Introduction
– Facilitator outlines the purpose, format, and values of the group (safety, respect, shared learning)
– Members are invited to briefly share what brought them to the group and what they hope to gain

• What Does Depression Look Like?
– Group explores how depression manifests uniquely for each individual (thoughts, feelings, behaviors, energy, motivation)
– Emphasis on normalizing experiences and recognizing shared struggles

• Rediscovering Routine, Pleasure & Mastery
– Discussion on how depression disrupts daily rhythms and joy
– Introduction to the concept of balancing daily activities with elements of routine, pleasure, and mastery
– Gentle activity scheduling exercise introduced to help members start reconnecting with these elements in their own lives

• Closing & Weekly Reflection
– Members reflect and share one small step they’re willing to try before the next session
– Journaling introduced as a weekly practice for self-awareness and progress tracking

• Check-in & Review
– Brief group check-in
– Sharing insights or experiences from the week’s journaling and small steps taken

• Depression and Our Relationships
– Open discussion on how depression can impact our connections with others
– Exploring themes of emotional withdrawal, feelings of disconnection, and challenges in expressing needs
– Acknowledging both the loss and longing that can come with isolation

• Gently Reconnecting
– Brainstorming small, manageable steps to rebuild or maintain relationships
– Practical strategies to express needs, ask for support, or simply reach out
– Emphasis on kindness towards self during this process

• Closing Reflection
– Each member reflects on one relationship they feel ready to gently nurture or re-engage with
– Optional journaling prompt offered for continued reflection during the week

• Check-in & Review
– Gentle group check-in
– Reflections on any grounding or interpersonal steps tried during the week

• How Depression Feels in the Body
– Group discussion on how depression shows up physically (fatigue, heaviness, restlessness, etc.)
– Normalizing the somatic experience of depression and how it affects energy and movement
– Encouragement to listen to the body with curiosity and compassion

• Anchors & Holding Emotions
– Introduction to grounding techniques and the idea of “anchors” (objects, sensations, or actions that bring calm or stability)
– Sharing and practicing simple self-soothing or regulation strategies (e.g., deep breathing, touch, movement, visualization)
– Discussion on how to stay present during emotional waves without needing to fix or suppress them

• Closing Reflection
– Each member shares one grounding practice or anchor they’d like to try in the coming week
– Optional journaling prompt: What does safety feel like in my body? When do I feel most grounded?

• Check-in & Review
– Gentle check-in and reflections from the past week
– Space for anyone to share insights, challenges, or journaling reflections

• Exploring the Loss of Direction
– Group discussion on how depression may have disrupted goals, dreams, or sense of purpose
– Reflecting on the emotional impact of feeling stuck or disconnected from one’s path (academic, personal, professional)

• Reclaiming Values & Rebuilding Hope
– Guided reflection on values that still matter, even if they feel distant
– Identifying small, doable shifts that realign with those values
– Encouragement to honor progress in all forms

• Closing Reflection
– Members share one intention or area of life they feel ready to slowly reconnect with

Session 5: Self-Neglect and Compassion
• Check-in & Review
– Check-in and sharing of any reflections or intentions from the previous session

• Understanding Neglect
– Honest discussion about how depression leads to self-neglect—physically, emotionally, mentally
– Validating the exhaustion and disconnection that comes with survival mode

• Introducing Self-Compassion
– Exploring what it means to show oneself care and kindness
– Brief discussion or exercise on self-worth and recognizing personal strengths
– Sharing one small act of kindness they’ve done—or could do—for themselves or someone else

• Closing Reflection
– Members reflect on how they can be more gentle with themselves in the coming week
– Optional journaling prompt: What would I say to a friend going through what I am?

Session 6: Gratitude and Integration
• Check-in & Review
– Final group check-in, holding space for how each person is arriving in the moment

• Deprivation vs. Abundance
– Exploring how depression narrows focus to what’s missing
– Gentle shift toward noticing what is present, however small—moments of support, connection, or growth

• Gratitude Practice & Journaling
– Guided gratitude journaling or a sharing circle
– Discuss the role of giving and receiving support—and how that can restore connection

• Final Reflection & Closure
– Members share key takeaways or messages they’re leaving with
– Facilitator offers continued support resources (e.g., therapy, journaling prompts, crisis lines, follow-up group opportunities)
– Optional closing ritual (e.g., affirmations, a goodbye circle, or mindfulness pause)