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Find out whether this research is for you…

Many people suffer from depression or anxiety at some point in their lives. They may turn to a variety of sources for help including family, friends and health professionals.

Online support groups, sometimes called online discussion groups or internet self-help groups, are one way of sharing troubling experiences with others. These online support groups generally provide warm and considerate environments which users often find beneficial.

keyboardResearchers at University College London are carrying out some research to help find out whether the use of online support groups is beneficial and to learn more about what happens in them and what impact they have on users.

This study will involve joining and taking part in an online support group as well as filling in questionnaires online about how you are feeling.

Taking Part

To take part in this research you need to be:

  • Experiencing some level of general stress, depression or anxiety.
  • Living in the UK.
  • Over 18 years of age and able to read and write English.
  • Willing to take about 20 minutes now to fill in some forms online, and again in three and six months time.
  • Willing and able to read and participate in an existing pre-selected online support group over a six-month period. We suggest this would involve a minimum commitment of 30 minutes per week.
  • Willing to have your progress monitored over this period.

The study will last for six months, but you are free to leave at any time.