Many people suffer from depression or anxiety at some point in their lives. They may turn to a variety of sources for help including family, friends and health professionals.

Online support groups, sometimes called online discussion groups or Internet self-help groups, are one way of sharing troubling experiences with others. These online support groups generally provide warm and considerate environments which users often find beneficial.

Researchers at University College London are carrying out some research to help find out whether the use of online support groups is beneficial and to learn more about what happens in them and what impact they have on users.

This study will involve joining and taking part in an online support group as well as filling in questionnaires online about how you are feeling.

Study participant requirements:

The study is looking for participants who are

• Over 18 years old
• Live in the UK
• Are experiencing stress, depression, anxiety or similar mental health concern
• Have an interest in joining an online support group.

Interested? Learn more: Online support group research

Dr. John Grohol is the founder & CEO 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 3 Jun 2009
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.