Family and Friends of Depressed Individuals Now Have Free Confidential Online Support

MySelfHelp.com, the world’s leading provider of online, interactive self-help programs and tools, has introduced Caring for Your Depressed Love One, a free and confidential online program available 24 hours a day for family and friends who want to learn more, obtain support, and help someone who is suffering from depression.

“Those who love and care about someone who is depressed feel helpless, frightened, frustrated, and alone,” said Dr. Richard Bedrosian, president of MySelfHelp.com and the leading expert on online self-help resources. “We wanted to create a program that would educate them about depression and provide them with the help and support they need – both for their loved ones, and for themselves.”

Too Few Resources for Families
According to Dr. Bedrosian, caregivers often feel isolated and confused about how to help, and may experience a range of painful emotions, including fear, anxiety, sadness, frustration, guilt, or anger. Many are unable to get the appropriate support, or are uncomfortable talking with others about their loved one’s depression. “Our programs teach them how to help themselves, as well as what to do to help their loved one – and what not to do.”

Overcoming Barriers of Fear and Stigma
“We hear from frustrated spouses, frightened parents, and concerned friends who don’t know how to react or how to help,” said Dr. Bedrosian. “We also hear from military personnel in combat overseas who are worried about fellow soldiers, as well as spouses and family of high-profile individuals who are afraid to reveal their problems or obtain appropriate help. They are able to receive the same type of confidential, online help that is offered through our other interactive recovery programs.”

Caring for Loved Ones is part of the MySelfHelp.com family of 12 programs for individuals suffering from depression, stress, insomnia, eating disorders, and a range of other mental health problems. The programs were developed in part through grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, and are designed to complement and reinforce treatment.

About MySelfHelp.com
As the world’s premier site for online self-help resources and tools, MySelfHelp.com consists of a growing family of highly interactive, easy-to-use programs featuring user-customizable exercises and resources designed to speed recovery and promote well being. MySelfHelp.com programs are currently being recommended by healthcare professionals and used by healthcare organizations and individuals in 48 countries throughout the world.

The MySelfHelp.com growing family of programs also includes Defeating Depression, Stress Management, Conquer Insomnia, Stop Binge Eating, Take Control of Bulimia, Coping with Grief, Working on Low Self-Esteem, Help for Compulsive Shopping, Overcoming Guilt, Caring for Your Loved One (eating disorders) and Hope for HIV and Depression. A moderated Discussion Board provides added support and allows members to connect and share ideas and support with others who are experiencing similar problems. Recent research on depression, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and insomnia indicates that use of MySelfHelp.com programs results in significant improvements.

MySelfHelp.com is staffed by a team of highly experienced and reputable health care professionals who are devoted to helping people improve the quality of their lives.

More information can be found at www.MySelfHelp.com or by writing to info@MySelfHelp.com.