Tutorial Six: The Internet and Online Communities

Last year I was fortunate enough to have the experience to go on my fieldwork placement to a mental health community. From this I would like to introduce you all to some online communities which allow those struggling with mental health the chance for support on line. 

The three online communities I chose were:

1. Mental Health Awareness in NZ http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30543744102&v=wall

2. Mental Health Foundation of NZ: http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/blog/

3. Psych Central Blogs: http://blogs.psychcentral.com/managing-depression/category/general/

1. Mental health Awareness in NZ

The intended purpose of this facebook page is to allow people the chance to talk to each other over a social networking site and know that other people are feeling the same way. This is a very interactive site is it is mainly contributions from people who have joined the page and want to talk to others. There is also contributions from the founder of the page, who would post links and new information onto the page. It also gives the members some links that they can go to if they want to find more support or more information on mental health issues. People would choose to contribute to this page as it is a place where you don’t have to get up in front of a group, but can just say what you are feeling or thinking, without having to confront people and are just seeking someone to talk to who understands. Information shared is able to be commented on and discussions can be formed on a topic that one brings up.

For example, members can just talk about what they have been doing:

 

“How is every one? Me on holiday waiting for course to start again. Wished it could start tomorrow but at leased Xmas is passed and I serviced without any huge arguments or walking out on anyone! Would love to go to the conference in Wellington.”

 

Or information can be provided, followed by a link:

 

“Before anyone is diagnosesd with a mental illness, I suggest they order and watch the free DVD "Making A Killing, the untold story of psychotropic drugging" [recently screened on Maori Television]. Can be ordered free from my website.”

 

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30543744102&v=wall

 

2. Mental Health Foundation of NZ

 

The intended purpose of this website is to provide all type of information and support for this with a mental illness or know someone who as one. There is information on campaigns, media news on mental health, upcoming events and anything to do with the government and mental health. There is also a blog on this site, in which participants can interact and discuss ideas and topics. There are many different topics amongst the blog and anyone can comment and contribute to them. The site writes the blog and contribute all the information on the site. This site is interactive through donations that can be made and shopping is able to be done on site. People would chose to contribute tothis sited as it is a reasonably trustworthy site, as it is run by the government and therefore the news, etc. That is displayed will be correct and relevant to the mental health community. Individuals looking on this site would most likely be seeking news on mental health issues from the government, information or just general support.

 

For example, topics spoken about on the blog are things such as schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, mental health resources, and many more.

 

http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/blog/

 

3. Psych Central blogs

 

The intended purpose of this site would be for individuals to learn about different topics that people write about on their blogs. This site is interactive through people reading the blogs on the particular topic in which they wish to read and then being able to comment on them. The site contributes the blogs, but the viewers contribute to the sites through the comments that they make. People can tell their own personal stories and join a support group on this site. People would choose to contribute to these blogs as they would learn from what they read, ask questions and may want to know more about their mental health issue. It also helps people to realise that others are thinking the same things and that they are struggling with the same issues.

 

For example, some titles for topics spoken about were:

"Anxiety in Childhood Often Precedes Depression in Adulthood - A Prevention opportunity?"

"If Depression Isn't in Your Genes, Then Where the Heck Is It?"

"Can Depression Be Prevented?"

http://blogs.psychcentral.com/managing-depression/category/general/

Some ethical issues could arise in these communities, such as lack of accountability and identity as anyone is able to access many of these pages and write on them what they feel or think. There are many benefits of having online communities such as these over more traditional geographical communities, as it means that people can discuss their issues and get support from all over the world; seeing different peoples’ perspectives and ideas on issues that people are struggling with. The individuals with mental health issues don’t have to confront others and speak about their issues in front of large groups if they do not feel comfortable. However, these online communities cannot provide the same level of support in which a traditional geographical community can. The people are not there to support you through everything and you can’t have a proper detailed conversation about issues that you are struggling with; which in some situations you need to talk about things. Traditional geographical communities are good for situations with more severe issues when people need stronger one-on-one type of support and help.