WebTribes Offers Online Home for Those with...( LOS ANGELES Jan. 28 /- It's a fac...),Health

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- It's a fact of life that everyone has problems. But, unfortunately, some people have much larger, more complex problems than others. Those with mental illness, addiction, or HIV/AIDS often face challenges that those who have never battled such problems simply don't understand. Dealing with illness is often a lonely, heartbreaking experience that can hinder the healing process.

Now those who battle such things have an online hub in WebTribes (http://webtribes.com), where they can find support from others in similar situations. WebTribes Inc., a social networking organization, that features five separate Web sites, also referred to as tribes: DepressionTribe.com, AnxietyTribe.com, OCDTribe.com, AddictionTribe.com, and HIVAidsTribe.com.

Each tribe is designed to offer a platform for members to share stories, offer support, and to interact with others who understand their plight.

"WebTribes is the first and only network of online social networking support Web sites designed for people with life-consuming illnesses," explains founder Ryan FitzGerald. "Each tribe is designed with the latest in social networking functionality, giving members the ability to express themselves through profile page design, blogging, forums, chat and more."

In addition, they offer privacy settings, ensuring members receive the level of protection with which they feel most comfortable. Many members, however, openly interact with others.

However, members don't just focus on their problems. They can also conduct fun polls, chat on the tribe's forum, and join in online tribe events.

While WebTribes is in no way designed to be a substitute for therapy, FitzGerald points out, the feedback from members has been extremely positive.

"Members of our tribes have been overwhelmingly positive about the impact it has had on their lives," he says. "Many members are fin
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