Online support for caregivers of people with a mental illness.

Abstract

This article reports on an online self-help group for caregivers of people with a mental illness. A discourse analysis was conducted using 417 messages contained within an 18-month period Messages that had a primary focus of disclosure (N = 160) and providing information or advice (N = 89) were the most frequent. The content of messages was also examined. Discussion of emotions and diagnoses were found in 42% and 34.6% of the messages, respectively. A review of the current status of online self-help groups and implications for practice are also provided.