Since the inception of the Internet and more recently an increased access to high-speed connections, it has been clearly observed that people use the Internet to find information on health, mental health and to connect with others in their situation.

In a recent report published by the Irish Health Research Board, it was stated that in 2006, 93% of Irish Internet users had used the Internet to seek out information and services, 15.51% of these were health related. In Europe the numbers seeking health related information and services online are even higher at 44%, and in the UK 41%.

Even more interestingly, another 2006 (Powell & Clark) study suggests that 24% of people with mental health issues, who were surveyed, used the Internet to access information and services related to mental health.

A 2003 report on online communities of people suffering depression found that many users felt able to discuss topics online that they could not discuss elsewhere, and some had even revealed their depression for the first time on the community board. More than one third said that the online community was a factor in deciding to seek help for their illness.

The Irish Health Research Board report goes on to say: Researchers have suggested that Internet allows people with anonymity and can provide people with support and information for stigmatised illnesses, such as mental health problems (Powell et al 2003). 

Furthermore, the same study found that 49% of people who were using the Internet for mental health problems had not sought formal support from health services. Of those who did seek help over one-third reported that the Internet had been a factor in deciding to seek help.

The Irish Health Research Board Report concludes: As help-seeking for mental health issues is often delayed because of social stigma the power of the internet as a mean of encouraging help seeking was revealed by these studies.

As the potential of the Internet is explored, it is apparent now that there are limitless avenues in which people seeking-help can connect with others. With an Online Therapeutic Support function, a charity or organisation is best placed to offer the right kind of support to those seeking it.

To download the Irish Health Research Board study in full, please click here.