Mutual support groups whose meetings take place in local community settings, usually on a weekly or monthly basis, enabling participants to have face-to-face contact with other people. In-person support groups generally have scheduled meeting times, closed membership and professional leadership; and may feature speakers and activities.

Mutual support groups that schedule virtual "meetings" via the Internet. Included are e-mail listserv groups (which distribute posted messages to participants via e-mail), bulletin/message boards (whose postings are restricted to people who register), newsgroups (whose postings are unrestricted and open) and chat groups (which permit real time discussion) that are devoted to providing support for participants around a particular issue. Internet support groups are generally available around the clock; and are convenient for people with limited mobility, serious health issues or transportation problems, who don't have time for face-to-face meetings, or who simply wish to maintain their privacy and remain anonymous. They may be the only option for individuals with rare disorders or other unusual problems who are unlikely to find enough people in their local area to form a support group. Internet support groups may be monitored by professionals, but most are not.

Mutual support groups whose members are people who have specific social, emotional or other mental health problems. Families and friends may also be welcome. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; and provide an opportunity for participants to share information, practical tips for daily living and encouragement about issues related to the problem.

Individuals who are generally between the ages of 18 and 25 depending on the ages that specific programs use for qualification.

A disorder that is marked by episodes of psychotic depression, excessive well-being or mixed episodes alternating with longer periods of relative normalcy. Manic episodes are characterized by elevated, expansive or irritable moods which are accompanied by hyperactivity, pressure of speech, flight of ideas, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility and excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences, which is not recognized. The depressive episodes are characterized by loss of interest or pleasure in all or almost all usual activities and pastimes, appetite disturbance, change in weight, sleep disturbance, psychomotor agitation or retardation, decreased energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating or thinking and thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts. During mixed episodes, the individual experiences rapidly alternating moods of sadness, irritability and euphoria.

A mental state of depressed mood that is characterized by feelings of sadness, despair and discouragement. Depression ranges from normal feelings of the blues through chronic depression (dysthymia) to major depression. In many ways, it resembles the grief and mourning that follow bereavement including feelings of low self esteem, guilt and self reproach, withdrawal from interpersonal contact and physical symptoms such as eating and sleep disturbances.