Anxiety, Depression and a Drug Called Fandom

Fandom has been used for years as an outlet for emotional turmoil and as an escape from the stresses and negativity of every day life. Many can say that fandom has helped them through the hardest times in their lives, and those suffering from depression and anxiety (as well as many other forms of distress) have found solace in communities, writing, drawing, and participating in fandom in a variety of ways. In the age of the internet this has become even more prevalent with people forming support groups within their fandoms. This panel will discuss the positive and negative points of using fandom as a coping mechanism, both from a personal and a psychological point of view.