Teenage Visitors Encouraged to Seek Help for Depression, Drugs and Dating Violence

Summary

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* Video blogs for teen characters. Mindspace features fictional, composite personalities, such as "KyIe," "Nicole," and "Stephanie," who chronicle their struggles through video posts. Their stories about using drugs or suffering from depression unfold through updates. Any teen who visits the site can "friend" the characters and follow their stories. Additional characters will be added in coming weeks.

"Social networking sites present a unique opportunity to help teenagers with mental health problems," said Dr. David Rosin, Deputy Commissioner for Mental Hygiene. "By reaching out to young people where they socialize, in a style they can relate to, we make it easier for them to talk and seek help."

"Many teens are reluctant to seek help," said Dr. MyIa Harrison, Assistant Commissioner for Child and Adolescent Services. "Engaging with these characters may help teens express their feelings, connect with others and realize that help is available. They may also realize that they don't have to take risks and endanger themselves. Instead, they will see the characters think about how to direct their own lives in a safer, healthier way."

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Teenage Visitors Encouraged to Seek Help for Depression, Drugs and Dating Violence

The Health Department today announced a new online campaign to engage teenagers grappling with depression, drugs, and violence, and to encourage them to seek help. NYC Teen Mindspace, posted on MySpace, is the agency's first effort to promot...

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