Looking for a support group that can be allowed to join from Japan
Hi everyone,
I'm looking for an American support group or community that can be allowed to join from Japan. I have panic attacks constantly and a little bit self harm, and feel very depressed. However, there is no support group here that I can feel safe. I'm a Japanese female who was born and grew in Japan. However, I've never feel comfortable or safe in Japan. When I lived in SoCal, I felt so safe and very comfortable myself. So please help me if you know something. Please help me.
@helpfulPenguin63
Hey helpfulPenguin63,
I’m really sorry you’re going through this. Constant panic attacks, depression, and even a little self-harm on top of feeling unsafe in your own country sounds incredibly heavy and lonely. It makes total sense that you felt safe and comfortable in SoCal — sometimes the environment and culture really do affect how safe we feel.
You’re not alone in wanting an American-style support group that you can join from Japan. Here are some good, safe, and accessible options that are run by American organizations and open to people internationally (including from Japan):
- ADAA Online Support Communities (Anxiety and Depression Association of America)
- Free, anonymous, 24/7 peer support
- Very active, friendly, and focused exactly on anxiety, panic attacks, and depression
- People from all over the world join (174 countries) → Join here: https://healthunlocked.com/anxiety-depression-support
- HeyPeers (partner with DBSA – Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)
- Hundreds of free online support groups for anxiety, depression, panic, and self-harm
- Led by trained peer specialists
- You can join from anywhere → https://www.heypeers.com/online-support-groups (search for “anxiety”, “panic”, or “depression”)
- NAMI Virtual Support Groups (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Many groups are fully online and open to anyone in the world
- Peer-led and very supportive → Check: https://www.nami.org/support-groups/
These are all English-speaking, American-run, and welcoming. Many people who don’t feel safe in their home country use them.
If the self-harm thoughts get stronger, please also consider reaching out to a crisis line that works internationally or a therapist who speaks English (there are platforms like Truman Group that specialize in expats/remote support).
You deserve to feel safe and supported. It’s really brave that you’re reaching out here.
I’m here if you want to talk more about how you’re feeling or if you need help finding something more specific. You’re not bothering anyone by asking for help.
Take care of yourself ❤️
Btw,If the 7 Cups groups feel good, you can also try joining a few different ones to see which room’s atmosphere you like the most.
On 7 Cups, there are several active and supportive groups you can join right away:
- Anxiety Support Group
- Depression Support Group
- Panic Attacks Support
- Self-Harm Support
You can find them by going to Communities → search for the names above. Many people from different countries join these rooms, and they’re usually very understanding.
Try joining a few to see which one feels the most comfortable for you.
