The following is a list of a few examples of the different types of resources available on the web.  It is by no means inclusive. We are not specifically recommending these resources as any information obtained from the internet, or elsewhere, should be viewed critically.  However, by searching the internet you will be able to find helpful information, additional support and current research.

Newsgroups
One way in which to find newsgroups of interest is to search through http://www.deja.com. Type in your topic, let dejanews search for you and then, either write down the names of the news groups or click on their links to get taken there immediately.  But suppose you want to look at some news group titles yourself.  In your browser, usually Netscape or Internet Explorer, go to News Groups and subscribe (it's free and you can always unsubscribe). The first time you do that, be prepared to wait as tens of thousands of news group titles are downloaded to your computer.  Then start looking.  A good place to start might be with alt.support.depression and go from there, just checking the appropriate box next to those to which you'd like to subscribe.  Then click "OK".  The next time you go to your news reader, click on the + sign next to your news groups and the titles you have chosen will appear along with the number of messages in each group.  It will even keep track for you of those messages you've read and those you haven't.

 There are three types of newsgoups: unmoderated ones where everyone posts what ever (s)he likes and you can lurk, read, but not post, or post away to your heart's content, either answering others or initiating topics or both and moderated ones where everyone sends all proposed posts to the moderator who decides what should be posted and what should not be. Some of this type actually deliver all posts to you via email, once you've subscribed and others just get posted in a manner similar to that of the unmoderated groups.  Lastly, there are news groups which are selective and/or require some particular qualification before allowing you to subscribe.

alt.support.depression
alt.support.depression.manic
alt.support.depression.recovery
These newsgroups provide discussion space for sufferers of mood disorders.  Many of the participants have become friends and some off-topic discussion occurs.  However, the support provided here has been helpful to participants over time.  Some visitors add this to regular support group attendance while some use it during episodes of depression which prevent them from regular group attendance.

http://bang.dhs.org/guides
This newsgroup is for friends and family of those suffering from mood disorders.  Participants range from parents to significant others.  This forum provides an opportunity to discuss the problems unique to living with and/or caring for someone suffering from these debilitating illnesses.
 

Websites
There are several types of websites sponsors.  We have selected the more useful types and given a few examples of each.

Individuals or health care providers sponsored sites
http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html
http://www.execpc.com/~corbeau/depression.html
These sites provide current and regularly updated articles and information.  They may contain links to other sites. Check the address line of your browser to determine where the information you are viewing originated.

Pharmaceutical company sponsored sites
http://www.depression-info.com/
Many pharmaceutical companies sponsor responsible sites with important information for sufferers and their families.  As will any other resource on the internet it is important to be a critical reader.

Government sponsored sites
http://www.nimh.nih.gov
http://www.mentalhealth.org
Government sites contain a lot of useful information for depression sufferers.  Because they are not illness specific and intended for a wide audience, visitors may have to hunt for necessary information.  However, these site contain a variety of information including lists of other resources.