What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?

It is important to protect your privacy online as the support group is open to the general public and may be searched by search engines like Google.  For this reason, we recommend that when you register for the group you use an email address and screen name that do not personally identify you.  We can provide assistance on doing this.  It is important to bear in mind that other members of the group are generally not health professionals so any advice they give should be treated cautiously.  It is possible that you might be upset by something that you read online.  If this is the case and you wish to talk it over with the researcher, you are encouraged to do so by telephone or email.

What are the possible benefits of taking part?

Joining an online support group is potentially beneficial for people suffering from depression (indeed the aim of this research is to assess just how beneficial they may be).  Research on face-to-face support groups has found that it is beneficial in the following areas:

1.  Sharing your experience with others.

2.  Receiving support from others who are going through something similar.

3.  Helping other people.