Social support during illness and social media

CNN had an interesting story this week about the importance of social support when facing an illness and the role social media can play in creating a place for that support. Web sites and social networking sites can give patients and families a chance to share their stories and hear about the stories of others. Dr. Charles Raison, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University School of Medicine and CNNhealth.com's mental health expert said in the story "The jury is still out a little bit on whether social support helps you survive -- but it definitely helps you live better."