Online Depression Counseling
Online depression counseling is one way for patients with lupus to connect with outside help for depression. A variety of factors contribute to the development of depression in lupus patients. Coping with any type of chronic illness introduces a great deal of emotional stress into a person’s life. There is a strong link between stress and depression. The effects of the disease on the body itself may also trigger depression in lupus patients, particularly when the patient experiences organ involvement with the disease.
A Diagnosis of Depression
Depression itself is a serious medical condition that should be diagnosed and treated by an appropriate medical professional. The initial diagnosis usually must be done face to face with a certified professional, especially if medication will be prescribed.
Types of Depression Counseling
There are a variety of medications and counseling methods used for treating depression. One of the newest treatment options is online depression counseling, sometimes referred to as “e-therapy”. Online depression counseling involves Internet mediated communication between the patient and mental health professionals. It can be conducted via live chat or e-mail 24 hours a day. As with any type of medical treatment, there are a variety of advantages and disadvantages associated with online depression counseling.
Other forms of counseling include group counseling and individual counseling, which are done under the guidance of a professional. Typically, these meetings are held at a counselor's office to ensure the privacy of the individual.
Why Use Online Depression Counseling?
Online depression counseling appeals to many patients because they can access counseling support any time they need it. Other patients enjoy the anonymous nature of the process. To some patients, it is easier to communicate openly via the Internet than in a face-to-face counseling situation. Other patients value the anonymity that stems from the fact that they won’t be seen arriving at or leaving from the office of a mental health professional.
The ease of access to online depression counseling can be of particular benefit to lupus patients. During times that lupus patients experience severe flares, they may not be able to travel to a counselor’s office, but they can participate in online depression counseling with relative ease from the comfort of their own homes. There are potential financial advantages as well. In many cases, online depression counseling may be less expensive than live counseling.
Disadvantages of Online Counseling
Some people question whether or not legitimate, effective psychotherapy can be conducted via Internet-mediated communication. A major disadvantage of online depression counseling is the lack of non-verbal communication. Therapists are not able to observe their patients’ body language during the counseling session, and much meaning is traditionally conveyed between patient and therapist via non-verbal communication.
dditionally, many people have a difficult time expressing themselves in writing, and may have trouble communicating with each other via e-mail or live chat. Some people simply find writing to be difficult; others have very poor writing skills. The anonymity that makes some patients feel more comfortable participating in online depression counseling, also introduces an element of risk to the process.
Just as the therapist may not know the identity of the patient, the patient also doesn’t necessarily know the true identity or credentials of the mental health professional from who whom her or she is seeking counseling. There are a variety of online counseling companies and organizations that screen online counselors to verify proper licensing and credentialing. Individuals who choose to participate in online depression counseling should be diligent in verifying that they are in fact, working with legitimate mental health providers.
