Bloggers on mental health sites feel more comfortable discussing their conditions online than with professional therapists, according to a survey by WebTribesInc.com, which operates MySpace-type sites for depression, anxiety and addiction.
In the survey, conducted in April, members were asked, “Where do you feel most comfortable expressing your issues?” 68% said “an online community”; 23% said “my therapist”; and 9% said “family and friends.”
“Although a number of celebrities including Brooke Shields and Tipper Gore have shared their stories of coping with depression, there is still a very large stigma attached to seeking formal treatment for mental health conditions,” said Ryan FitzGerald, president of WebTribesInc.com.
FitzGerald said many of his sites’ members have reported avoiding professional help because they are afraid of being diagnosed as depressed or anxious and are worried the information will be shared with their employer or health insurer.
WebTribesInc.com operates four MySpace-type sites: DepressionTribe.org, OCDTribe.com, AnxietyTribe.com and AddictionTribe.com.
