Many people who feel depressed find it difficult to talk about their depression, even with a doctor or counselor. Fortunately, online depression help is available formally through certified psychologists, as well as informally through depression support groups.
This article discusses how informal forums, blogs, and other social media sites can help with depression.
Note that different types and causes of depression require different types of treatments. Further, different people respond to social media sites differently. Exploring different blogs and forums – and different types of social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook – is an effective way to determine the type of online help that best suits a specific individual.
Social Media Sites Can Lift Depressed Moods Through Anonymity
Talking about depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, or other mental illnesses can be difficult because of the stigma attached to psychological disorders. Participating in internet forums or blog discussions can offer a sense of security and privacy that in-person communication doesn’t have.
Sharing a personal struggle with depression can be embarrassing or shameful in person -- but this sharing person can be much easier online. Since emotional issues that are not discussed can become worse, it’s important to open up and share thoughts and feelings.
Forums, blogs, and other social media sites can promote honest, open communication about depression without becoming too personal or revealing. The stigma of mental illness isn’t a drawback. Further, simply talking about depression can be surprisingly effective in lifting mildly depressed moods.
Twitter and Facebook Can Decrease Isolation and Loneliness
Social media sites such as Twitter or Facebook can reduce depression moods by helping people realize they’re not alone. Finding the right type of online “support group” (even just following a fellow survivor on Twitter) can reduce the isolation that often makes feelings of depression worse.
“[Social media] gives people an anonymous forum to talk about the fact they are having difficulties, maybe think out loud, and reflect,” says Isabella Mori, a counselor and co-founder of Mental Health Camp in Vancouver, BC. “Because the Internet has become such an interactive forum they can hear from others and realize, ‘Wow, I am not the only one.’”
Forums and Blogs Can Offer New Hope and New Ideas for Coping
Since depression is often accompanied by feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair, finding the energy and strength to reach out for help in person may feel impossible. Finding online depression help can be quick, easy, and effective.
And, as freelance writer Jo Lindsell points out, social media sites can offer ideas to make changes in life. Sharing different ways to cope with depression, exchanging future plans and possibilities, and offering resources such as workshops, other online forms of support, and blogs can give people struggling with depression more possibilities for healing.
Social Media Sites Offer Immediate Support
“Social media can help provide support [for people coping with depression] in the long term, but it is particularly good in crisis situations,” says medical writer Maija Haavisto, author of Reviving the Broken Marionette: Treatments for CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia. “For instance, when you need someone to talk to immediately, even in the middle of the night, you can connect online.”
Blogs, forums, and sites such as Twitter and Facebook can be a source of immediate help and a connection to both real-life friends (such as on Facebook or even Twitter) and online acquaintances (such as blogs and internet forums that offer depression help).
However, it’s important to remember that social media sites are not a substitute for real-life interaction with friends and loved ones! Nor should social media sites serve as an alternative to getting professional help for depression. Online help can be a great way to lift sad, depressed, or anxious moods – but a doctor, counselor, or psychologist should be consulted for even mild cases of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
To learn about the signs and treatments for depression, read Getting Help for Depression.
Resource:
Source of quotation from Isabella Mori: “Social Media Helping Erase Stigma of Mental Illness”, The Vancouver Sun. July 7, 2010.
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger in Vancouver, BC, and the creator of the Quips and Tips blog series.
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