The upcoming conference, “Erasing Stigma and Exploring Possibilities with Social Media” (April 25th, 2010, Vancouver, British Columbia http://www.mentalhealthcamp.org/ ) focuses on two mental health topics of personal interest: ‘stigmatization through silence’ and the enormous potential of social media as a positive tool for mental health.

While those in the industry have long understood stigmatization to be a barrier to individuals seeking and securing supports when mental health issues arise, it only in recent times that stigmatization has been successfully addressed and the barrier has begun to be dismantled. It is not unreasonable to now say that we are beginning to see a cultural change. Contributing to this change are events that include: celebrities speaking out, focused media campaigns, consistent media reporting and comprehensive education programs at the secondary school level. All have attempted create an environment where it is okay to speak about mental health issues and then ideally to seek and find support. The Anti-Stigma  initiative has been successful in ‘creating a climate of change’ where mental health can now begin to be talked about in the same way we do about physical health.

Social support networks are a key prevention and treatment factor for mental health that is well documented. In Canadian urban settings, a disproportionate number of health and social service users are ‘low income’ and ‘working poor’(United Way of Greater Simcoe County, 'The Poverty Myth'). The challenges of meeting basic needs such as shelter, food and childcare create stress in low income families, which in turn manifests itself in statistically higher health needs, and proportionally higher levels of depression, relationship breakdown, substance abuse and child abuse. In addition, low income living creates barriers to accessing social support opportunities through the schools, organized recreation programs and organized community activities. It contributes to greater isolation and prevents families from accessing the resources that support prevention and resiliency. "Improving the Health of Canadians: An Introduction to Health In Urban Places" Candian Institute for Health Information

While low-income families are often grouped in geographical proximity due to housing costs, not all low income neighbourhoods report the same levels of health and social service needs. In locations where statistically lower levels of substance abuse, violence and discrimination have been identified, one or more of the following have been determined to be present: school and community based strategies to promote participation and social inclusion, willingness to cooperate, positive community image, and social support networks. "Asset-based, Resident-led Neighbourhood Development" July 2006 The Caledon Institute of Social Policy

There has been a monumental increase in the utilization of social media such as facebook over he last two years by all sectors of society. While social media use is not all positive there is aclear indication that they are a highly successful form of social networking and hold potential for supporting positive mental health. It will be interesting to see what the research says about this new frontier.