MIAMI, June 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Real Mental Health, Inc. today announced
the launch of the first social networking site focusing on mental health
wellness and treatment. The Web site, http://www.RealMentalHealth.com ,
provides a supportive community environment where members affected by
mental health conditions can share experiences. Membership to the site is
free and available to anyone over 18 years of age.
    "We wanted to provide a community where people would be able to share
experiences and information about mental health in an environment that was
supportive, understanding and interactive," explained Martin Ogawa,
president of RealMentalHealth.com. "Whether you or someone close to you is
affected by mental illness, we developed this site to provide you with the
resources to help manage your challenges."
    The online community portion of the site went live last month, and
membership has grown rapidly to include thousands of visitors per month.
    Tamara, whose online name is DizzyGirl, has been journaling on the site
since May and says that RealMentalHealth.com is a safe haven where she can
let down her guard for the first time. "Because of my schizoaffective and
bipolar disorder, I couldn't open up to my neighbors or friends because I
was afraid they would immediately judge me, or be shocked," Tamara
explains. "On RealMentalHealth.com, everyone understands what I'm going
through, because they've been in that very same place."
    Soon after discovering the site, Tamara convinced her sister, Teresa,
to join. "I initially joined to support my sister, but very soon, I
realized how therapeutic it feels to be able to share my thoughts with
people who have had similar experiences," says Teresa, who has been
diagnosed with depression. "It is also a wonderful and worthwhile feeling
to reach out to others and give them support and empathy. I go on the site
every day -- it's like my medicine," explains Teresa, whose online name is
Red Rhapsody.
    While the disorders most frequently discussed on RealMentalHealth.com
are depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, ADHD, addictions,
eating disorders, Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, this list is
growing and members can join any group or discussion.
    "Unlike chat groups on other sites, it doesn't matter who you are,
where you are, or what kind of disorder you have," says Tamara. "The site
is for people first."
    In addition to the journals/blogs, group forums, and chat features,
RealMentalHealth.com also provides reliable and relevant treatment
information, health news, special features such as audio and video clips
from members, interviews with medical professionals, and many other tools
to help members whose lives are affected by mental illness.
    RealMentalHealth.com was developed by a team assembled by Martin Ogawa
and is backed by angel investors who felt the need existed for a strong
online mental health community.
    About RealMentalHealth.com
    RealMentalHealth.com is the first social networking site focusing on
mental health treatment and wellness. The online community includes
individuals, their family members, loved ones and friends who want to
easily and interactively obtain knowledge about symptoms and treatments in
a supportive community environment. RealMentalHealth.com complies with the
HONcode standard for reliable and trustworthy health information.
    For more information, please visit the RealMentalHealth.com Web site.

    For further information, please contact:

     Janice Miller, RMJ Group, LLC
     Phone:  212-246-2523/917-494-6315