Self help for the internet generation.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/dec/02/social-networking-depression-black-dog-tribe

My blog so far has been quite focused on broad range social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter which are based on users contact with old and new friends but around any particular theme of conversation topic. That is why I found this Guardian article so relevant because it looks at websites which home in on a certain issue that its users have in common and creates a support network through their shared problems, in particular the article looks at a new website Black dog tribe which as Emily Band writes is "a safe haven for people suffering with depression" Through the website users are able to provide support, offer advice and share stories with people they know understand what they are going through. This can be incredibly positive for sufferers. Perhaps using the Internet, for those worse affected is somewhere they can express themselves without fear of judgement or repercussions in the real world. 


Band also goes on to write that other more broad social networks have had a negative impact on those suffering from depression "an overlooked status could morph from something innocuous into a damning indictment against the sufferer's personality and social worth. This effect is amplified when seeing pictures or statuses from other people apparently having the time of their lives at various social events." I don't think there's one person who uses social networking sites who hasn't been effected by something they've seen or read that in the real world perhaps they would not have had to come up against. I have previously written about the detriment of on line bullying and they way people feel their on line presence is untouchable so they can say what they like. This is why I believe sites like Black dog tribe are vitally important to helping people who are suffering. Clearly depression isn't the only illness people need support from so the fact that social networking sites and their user generated content are being used for good, to bring these people together is I think an immensely positive thing.