ADAA Peer-to-Peer Anxiety and Depression Online Support Community
The ADAA Peer-to-Peer Online Support Community, hosted on HealthUnlocked, is a free, anonymous online community for people living with anxiety and depression. Backed by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) — one of the country’s most respected mental health advocacy organizations — this community brings together tens of thousands of members who share their experiences, ask questions, and offer one another genuine, everyday support.
What to Expect
Unlike in-person or video-based support groups, this community lives entirely online, which means it’s available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — no schedule to check, no Zoom link to track down. Members post about what they’re experiencing, respond to others’ stories, and engage in ongoing conversations about managing anxiety, depression, and the many ways these conditions affect daily life. The tone is peer-driven: real people sharing real experiences. The community is moderated to maintain a safe, respectful environment, and while moderators don’t provide clinical advice, they ensure conversations stay constructive and kind.
Who This Group Is For
This community is open to anyone 16 and older who lives with anxiety, depression, or both. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in active treatment and looking for additional support, or managing your mental health without formal services, you’ll find people in this community who understand. It’s also a welcoming space for those who support loved ones dealing with these conditions. Because participation is anonymous, you can share at whatever level feels comfortable — lurking and reading is just as valid as posting.
Why Peer Support Works
There’s something that professional support alone can’t always provide: the felt sense of being understood by someone who has been through the same storm. Online peer communities like this one give people access to that understanding at any hour, from anywhere in the world. Studies have found that peer-to-peer support significantly reduces feelings of isolation, increases coping confidence, and helps people feel more empowered in managing their own mental health. When you share your 3 a.m. worry with people who have had that same 3 a.m. worry, something shifts.
How to Join
To join the ADAA Peer-to-Peer Community, visit the group on HealthUnlocked and create a free account — no insurance required, no referral needed, no cost. Participation is entirely anonymous if you choose, so you can engage at whatever level feels right. Once you’re in, you can post, comment, follow conversations, and connect with a community that shows up for each other every single day.