Socialization or Social Isolation? Mental Health Community Support in the Digital Age

Heyes, K (2017) Socialization or Social Isolation? Mental Health Community Support in the Digital Age. In: Novel Applications of Virtual Communities in Healthcare Settings. IGI Global, pp. 28-55. ISBN 9781522529583

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Abstract

This research project specifically examines the experience of online community support groups as reported by users. The project began out of concern that healthcare providers in the Global North are directing people with mental health problems to online services, without seemingly understanding the impact that this may have on the individuals. The research findings will be of particular interest to mental health practitioners and service providers in the UK and elsewhere in the Global North, and aims to influence decisions made for policies around developing new online mental health services.