I've been a member of this forum for a while now and I don't know about everyone else, but I find it incredibly helpful. People are very supportive and I've even had private messages sharing research that I could take to my doctor to suggest a change to my treatment protocol. I also use some closed Facebook groups for other health conditions I have.
Through my work at Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland I am helping to do some research about how people use social media like Facebook, Twitter, blogs and closed forums like this one. Although people using them often recognise the benefits, there isn't a lot of research out there to show how they can help people to self manage and improve physical and mental wellbeing. Therefore health professionals often don't realise how much support people can get online from peers.
if you have a few minutes it would be fantastic if you could fill out a short survey about how social media helps you to self manage ( via the link below). It's totally anonymous, but if you would like to leave your email address you will be entered into a prize draw for a £25 voucher. The survey is open until 30th October. Thanks!