Mood Garden

Description:

Mood Garden is an independent, not-for-profit site that includes a message board as well as blogs and mood charts. The message board is organised into a number of different subject areas, including depression/bipolar information & support, fun stuff and casual discussions. Only registered members can view and add comments - and the board is moderated by a team of non-professional volunteers who have experienced mental health difficulties. The forum is designed to provide you with an opportunity to share your experiences and receive support from others with similar experiences. You can also create a blog and mood charts on the site.

Service URL:

http://www.moodgarden.org/forum

Agency Responsible:

Mood Garden: NGO.

Details

Format:

Bulletin Board.

Size Of Membership:

7,693 (on 16 Oct 2012). Most members are from the USA

Start Date:

unknown

Moderation Status:

Moderated.

Moderation Type:

Consumer/Carer. Individuals who have experienced and overcome a mental health problem

Associated Website Intervention:

http://www.moodgarden.org

Accreditation Status:

Accredited. Health on the Net accredited

Funding Source:

Donations/Philanthropic.

Target Audience

Primary Categories:

Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Generalised anxiety disorder.

Primary Target Audience:

Adult.

Secondary Target Audiences:

Consumer and Carer.

Language:

English.

Access

Registration Requirement:

Open to view, but registration to participate. You can view the message board outline but need to register to view and add comments. Only registered members can access the blogs and mood charts.

Fee:

Free.

Contact Details:

admin@moodgarden.org

Research evidence

Research Trials:

1

Outcome Summary:

One randomised controlled study has examined the effectiveness of the Mood Garden forum among a sample of university students who were experiencing low-to-moderate levels of psychological distress. Participants randomly assigned to the Mood Garden group (n=13) were directed to use the message board in three 60 minute sessions and to post a minimum of two messages per session. The control group (n=14) received no treatment. Indeed, the findings provided supporting evidence in favour of the internet support group - with participants in the Mood Garden group showing a significantly greater reduction in symptoms of anxiety and increase in perceived support compared to the control group.

Research Paper Citations

Ellis, L. Campbell, A.J., Sethi, S., O'Dea, B.M. (2011) Comparative randomized trial of an online cognitive-behavioral therapy program and an online support group for depression and anxiety. Journal of cybertherapy and rehabilitation, 4(4): 461-467