The Orlando Sentinel yesterday published a positive article about the benefits of online support groups (in which I was quoted). The article points out what many readers of this blog already know:
Users say the groups are immediate, anonymous and abundant, offering an outlet for people with any condition imaginable. What’s more, online groups have become so specialized that users can talk to others who know exactly what they’re going through.
I wouldn’t say they know exactly what others are going through (since everyone’s experience is a little unique), but they know a great deal of what others are going through and especially what to look out for in terms of treatment options — what works, what doesn’t, side effects, etc. etc. It’s a very good article, though, and if you have any interest in online support, worth the read.
It’s also heartening to see this sort of article published in mainstream newspapers. It lets people know of another, invaluable resource available to them.
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4 Comments to
“The stressed, ill and alone find solace in online support groups”
I’m a member of a Bipolar online support group in a site called mdjunction.com which hosts online support groups. its been a lot of help to me!!!
It was a good article. Thanks, John, for helping make it so.
My only concern was Dr. Suler’s comment implying that the lack of professional moderation for many online self-help groups leads to misinformation. Yes, professional moderation can be helpful to countering inaccurate information. But there will never be enough professionals with an interest and willingness to volunteer in support of patient-run online communities.
Also, professional control of online groups can sometimes hinder patients from recognizing how they can: help each other in special ways no one else can; pool their shared and helpful experiential knowledge together for new practical ways of coping with their adversity on a 24/7 basis; and express their healthy scepticism for a healthcare system that is too often unhealthy, uncaring, and not a system.
I believe that working together in large online groups, informed consumers can and do sort out falsehoods from the empirically helpful. Partnerships with professionals is extremely helpful. But we need to recognize that people can look and decide for themselves what information is most appropriate to their needs.
“Online patient groups have become an increasingly powerful force for health-care consumers over the past decade, raising funds for research and offering patient information and support. Now, as the cumulative power of their memberships grows, these groups are becoming invaluable partners to researchers and physicians searching for cures.”
- Wall Street Journal article on “The Growing Clout of Online Patient Groups” June 13th, 2007, p. D-1,
It’s nice to hear that those online support groups are making a good impact to those people who are stressed, ill and alone in their times need.
It’s a sad reality that those people have to go to the internet just to find solace.
However, it’s a good thing that these online support groups are doing their best to help those people.
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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 13 Aug 2007
