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.

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 13 Aug 2007
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.