Nearly half of Americans will suffer from one or more mental illnesses each year (Kessler, 2005). Research has shown that because there is such a stigmatization and judgment of those persons in the United States, less than half (64%) are seeking treatment (Wang, 2005). In 2008, a survey was conducted to determine the reasons persons did not seek treatment. Among the responses were: affordability, time, confidentiality, negative repercussions, and lack of resources. The internet has become the most available resource for those seeking health related information (SAMHSA, 2009). However, very little research surrounding the internet use of those seeking out “mental health related internet use among the general population, and among people with mental health problems in the community”. Powell and Clarke’s article, Internet information-seeking in mental health, is the first of its kind.
In 2006, Powell and Clarke generate a survey to compare these two dominant social factors and are considered the first to do so. The survey included questions on internet use, past psychiatric history, and general psychological health. A random sample of people, age 18 and over, were selected from an Oxfordshire database of general practice patients. Of the respondents, most were between 46-55 years old, females, and came from less deprived areas.
The results showed that nearly 60% of those sampled had used the internet. More than 70% of the group employed the internet for general health information-seeking. 18% of the sample, searched for information relating to mental health. Of that same group, participants either had current psychological problems (22.8%) or had a past history of mental health issues (31.5%). Interestingly enough, when it came to ranking, very few ranked the internet as a trustworthy and accurate source; nevertheless, most still considered it one of their top three resources. An overwhelming majority of the participants regarded health professionals and general practitioners as their most reliable resource.
It is apparent that the internet has a significant role in mental health information-seeking. We have seen in many other groups that most users choose an informal information resource first; this is also true of the mental health realm. Research has found that persons with “minor mental health problems seek help from family and friends rather than professionals” (Powell and Clarke, 2011). Professionals could benefit from harnessing the internet “as a tool to educate and support patients” (Powell and Clarke, 2011). This could be beneficial in alleviating both social stigmatization and potential frustration with the lack of information provided by professionals.
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