Online Mental Health Literacy

Source: Shutterstock #3190601069 by Marcin Balcerzak, (Cropped Photo) by permission.

This blog about the intersection of Psychology and Technology usually covers the newest tech gadget or cutting-edge application. Today we're covering online sources of mental health information.

Psychoeducation or PE is a term used for providing information to help patients understand their mental health conditions and treatments. By educating patients and families, we can inform their understanding of mental health problems and ways to cope. PE has been shown to be an effective adjunct to therapy, even with challenging mental health problems (1).

Perhaps the greatest technology innovation for finding mental health information is the vast World Wide Web, available to most of us with just a few keystrokes. Technology brings us a wealth of information about mental disorders and treatments. The amount of data can be overwhelming, and therefore must be filtered and tested for accuracy. In this context, information overload, or accepting misinformation, can lead to potential harm.

PE is complicated by stereotypes and the stigma surrounding mental illness. There are many misconceptions. (2) For example, many believe that:

• Those with mental disorders are more prone to violence (False).
• Mental disorders are brought on by substance abuse (False).
• Most people with depression attempt suicide (False).

We must arm ourselves with mental health literacy — by seeking out valid, evidence-based information. We can learn and teach others to distinguish psychology facts versus myths, and to filter good from bad data by comparing multiple sources. To mine the best information from the overwhelming amount of data — including misinformation — that's available on the web, here are a few questions to ask when you click on a mental health website:

• What is the site's source and sponsorship? Seek out sites from credible, national organizations such as the APA, ACA, AMA, NAMI, etc.
• Who are the authors? Are their credentials, affiliations, and experience listed?
• Check your gut and “quackery filter.” Does your intuition sense the source seems credible and objective, or filled with generalizations and stereotypes?
• Is the site trying to sell you something? Does it steer you to purchase books, screenings, homeopathic cures or devices? Consider these sites with a healthy dose of skepticism.
• Is the page tailored to a specific population? Who is the target audience?

The Internet is mostly unregulated, and there are no uniform standards for mental health sites. Therefore, we need a new “mental health literacy” to combat the misinformation epidemic. Compare different sources to locate any overlapping information that rings true. Check multiple sites to identify your favored PE sources.

PE can help to understand the wide range of mental health issues. It is useful to obtain accurate information on mental disorders and therapy options. Yet it can be overwhelming and confusing to distinguish facts from misinformation posted on the Internet. As you search for PE materials online, always remember your Password: Caveat Emptor — Let the Consumer Beware.

Select Psychoeducational Resources:

• Psychology Today
• NAMI –National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Family-to-Family, a NAMI program to improve coping and problem-solving skills for people close to those with a mental health condition.
• National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH)
• MentalHealth.gov
• Mental Health First Aid (National Council for Mental Well Being)

_{[The above links to external sites are provided for informational purposes only; and do not represent an endorsement or approval by the author for any products, services or opinions expressed by the organizations or individuals. The author is not responsible for the accuracy or content of external sites or links. Contact the site for questions regarding content.]}