If you use self help for information, you need to be sure that the information is unbiased, that you understand it properly, and that it applies to you.

Some information that you can find in books, leaflets and web sites is written to promote a particular point of view. It might be out of date, or it might not be the best available information about your condition. Evaluating these things can be tricky.

One way to protect yourself is to look at several different sources of information. When all the sources of information agree on something, then you can be pretty sure it is correct. When one source of information disagrees with another on something, then you cannot really be sure about it.

Sources of information are usually written for anyone to read. So a lot of the information that you find might not apply to you at all. Do not imagine that something applies to you just because you read about it. Your particular case might be different.

Some sources of information use confusing language or technical jargon. If you search the Internet from the UK you will find a lot of information written in the US, where some of the terms used are different. For example, the therapy known as CBT in the UK is known as CT in the US.

All these things can make it difficult to find clear, reliable information about your particular condition. If you find yourself being overloaded with confusing information, try to limit yourself to a few basic things that you really need to know. Ignore any information that does not directly help your recovery.

See also: Contact with other sufferers