Online forums a ‘mixed bag’ for depressed youth

Researchers said Internet forums and other online resources may be both good and bad influences when it comes to self-harm and suicidal thoughts among depressed young people. “Certainly there were ways in which the Internet gave anonymous support for people, for this population, and that could be helpful,” said Paul Montgomery. Montgomery and his colleagues analyzed 14 studies that looked at Internet use and self-harm among people under age 25, typically teenagers and preteens. Self-harm includes intentional cutting and burning but is usually not intended as a suicide attempt.