I've noticed some users of online support groups say their parents or others in their lives are not being supportive. Other users lack close friends. I've heard everything from my parents referred to my eating disorder to I don't have any friends who I see on a regular basis (remembering these are all college students and the majority live away from home). People come to these sites to seek advice and care from people they do not know instead of looking for people in their own lives. As I've said before, online support can be considered a better option for some because it allows them to retain their anonymity. So whether or not users have friends to counsel them face-to-face, some users still choose to go online for support.
There are users, however, who seek help outside of the website they are a member on. The sites encourage users to get help with more serious problems, like disorders or mental health issues. Some users say they go to a therapist for help and even announce the date of their next appointment on their status.
The example above is from a women who shares her account with her husband. Even though this couple has each other they still confide in strangers. They couple says below that they have problems with their family members and need help with their marriage.
The conditions of a user's daily relationships may be less than ideal and online support groups offer almost immediate support and differing opinions.
I think there can be safety in relative anonymity. In the post you reposted, I think it's pretty intense of this couple to be broadcasting their obvious issues to the world. At the same time though, I think that sometimes advice from a neutral third party can be just what the doctor ordered. The internet provides a unique opportunity to share only as much as one wishes and I think that the feedback and opportunity for support can be therapeutic.
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