Depression, e-health and family support. What the Internet offers the relatives of depressed persons

Abstract

Depression affects the depressed person and her/his closest network, giving rise to needs of support and information. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of information or other useful material for the relatives and significant others of depressed individuals on health-related Web sites and to see whether the possibly found material was addressing relatives’ as of today known needs of information and support. A total of 22 Web sites granted with the Health on the Net Foundation's quality logo were examined and analysed according to Grounded Theory methodology. The study showed that a number of studied Web sites contained valuable information and material, thereby partly addressing relatives’ known needs, whereas others offered no or little useful material. The study also resulted in a model in part showing the interaction between the depressed individual, the relatives and society. Conclusively, more can be done to help the relatives of depressed individuals cope with a daily life marked by the presence of depression by means of the Internet.

• Depression and family dynamics
• E-health
• Family burden
• Internet
• Mood disorders
• Support