www.mentalhealth.com
About this site: www.mentalhealth.com offers depression and other related information as part of their comprehensive educational on-line publication. When looking for definitions, especially Canadian ones, this site is the place to start. Actually a portal of sorts, mental health.com is a repository of mental health related information of use to patients and professionals alike.
Pluses: This is where you need to go for links to excellent depression and other mood disorder related journal articles, government (US an Canadian) published literature and professional association publications.
Minuses: Some pages are very long – get used to scrolling, and scrolling, and more scrolling.
Best Feature: The Canadian content and focus on recent updates to definitions and white papers is excellent. Perhaps not technically a feature, but the link to a Splash page containing an Interactive Brain Atlas is very, very cool.
The Depression Center
About this site: Not a site for extensive research or for the unquenchably curious. However, we picked this site for it’s straightforward navigation, to-the-point writing style and easy to understand content. You will get nearly all the answers you need with regard to depression at this site and not be confused or distracted by other mental health conditions or research whose conclusions will not affect treatment methods for years to come anyway.
Pluses: Navigation and site design are quite good. An excellent example of how to tackle a complex subject and provide straightforward answers to nearly all potential users within a pleasing environment.
Minuses: Supposedly a Canadian site but has no specific Canadian content.
Best Feature: A “mouseover” glossary that gives you a definition within pop-up bubble when you mouseover a highlighted word. Timesaving in the extreme!
DepressioNet
Best Feature: Put together by people suffering from depression this site makes you realize that you are not alone. This seems to be the main purpose behind this constantly updated and hugely popular Australian depression “community” site. Primarily for Australians, however the chat rooms are frequented by people from around the world. Finding out what you have in common with people thousands of miles away is pretty encouraging in itself. Check out the research section, much what you’ll find here is not found in journals from “Up Over” yet is a valuable contribution to the worldwide knowledge base regarding depression.
Pluses: One really does feel the sense of community here. Amazing really considering that most of the people associated with this site are on the other side of the globe. Try signing up for the chat room after you read some of the personal stories.
Minuses: Has one of the best “what’s happening in your area” sections of any community site anywhere. Too bad you don’t live in Australia huh? Actually, criticisms are few and far between, some older folks or anyone with poor vsion may have trouble with some of the smaller text that is used throughout.
Best Feature: The team who has put this site together is obviously motivated to help others. This includes the people who love those suffering from depression as well. An entire section is devoted to relieving the frustration felt by “those who care” by offering ways to help, support groups, ideas for being proactive etc. Kudos!
American Psychological Association: HelpCenter
About this site: Stressful job? Rocky marriage? The American Psychological Association's Web site is a great resource for assistance with all of life's problems. Learn how a healthy mind is essential for a healthy body, when you should seek professional help, and how therapy can relieve stress, depression, and other mental illnesses. (http://helping.apa.org/)
Pluses: The Family and Relationships section covers everything from summer-camp blues to elder care.
Minuses: There's no search function to find a psychologist in your area.
Best feature: The Youth Violence Prevention Guide explains how to recognize warning signs in yourself and others, how to control your anger and violent behavior, and what to do if someone you know is at risk.
Knowledge Exchange Network (KEN)
About this site: Established by the Center for Mental Health Services (a division of the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), KEN is a one-stop resource for information on mental health issues and timely stories about school violence and mental illness in the workplace. You can also locate mental health services in your area. (http://www.mentalhealth.org)
Pluses: KEN features a Kid's Area, complete with coloring books, brainteasers, and riddles.
Minuses: The amount of data on statistics and federal funding may make it difficult for consumers to find the information they need.
Best feature: You can search by state for treatment facilities, support services, and advocacy organizations.
National Library of Medicine (NLM)
About this site: From symptoms and treatment to law and policy, the National Library of Medicine has put together this comprehensive list of depression resources culled from different government and academic sources. With links to online medical dictionaries, encyclopedias, and medical databases all on one page, you can probably find everything you need conveniently in one place. (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/depression.html
Pluses: A few of the stories about antidepressants and depression in children have been translated for Spanish speakers
Minuses: Some articles are several years old.
Best feature: Clicking the links in the pink "search MEDLINE" box connects you to a pre-made list of relevant studies.
ParentsPlace: Postpartum Depression
About this site: Postpartum depression is common following the birth of a child. But sometimes the only person who can truly understand how you feel is another new mother. The active and supportive bulletin boards at ParentsPlace will help you find some sympathetic ears. (http://boards.parentsplace.com/messages/get/pppostdepression132.html)
Pluses: New messages are highlighted; can add emoticoms to postings.
Minuses: Must register before posting a message; archive pages are confusing.
Best feature:
Internet Mental Health: Major Depressive Disorder
About this site: You'll find everything you would want to know about depression at this site, sponsored by Canada's Vancouver Mental Health Support Agency. It contains diagnostic information, personal stories, therapy options, journal articles, the Harvard Mental Health Letter, and drug listings. (http://www.mentalhealth.com/fr20.html)
Pluses: Goes beyond basics by tackling such subjects as taking antidepressants during pregnancy.
Minuses: Need newer browser to access diagnostic quizzes.
Best feature: Find out if you have clinical depression by taking the interactive self diagnostic quiz.
