As we have seen, at times Facebook can come to your rescue. So, here is the flip side, the Nathalie Blanchard story.  The Asssociated Press  reports Blanchard of Quebec, is on long-term sick leave for major depression and has lost her monthly benefits due to pictures on her Facebook page. The pictures described by an insurance agent of Manulife, show Blanchard having fun at a birthday party, holiday and adult entertainment venue.  Blanchard’s doctor advised that she should go out and have fun to help alleviate some of her problems.  Manulife confirmed to CBC , ”We would not deny or terminate a valid claim solely based on information published on websites such as Facebook.”

Should your insurance or place of employment view your social networking profiles as a means to form an opinion or judgement on you?

A couple of  take aways:

- Check your privacy settings on your Facebook profile.  Although Facebook maybe seen as “your” place to share with friends etc., it is still an online vehicle and care should be taken with what is posted.

- Take a moment to educate ourselves on depression:

Depression Screening.org- Offers depression screening, symptoms, advocacy and  treatments.

National institute on Mental Health - Offers information, outreach and research on mental illness.