�The Health Department today announced a new on-line 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 campaign to promote health through and through Web-based social networking - a medium with nifty potential because of its popularity with young people. To see the run, visit www.myspace.com/nycteen_mindspace.
Mental health issues are mutual among teens. Nearly one-third of New York City high schooling students say they experience sadness that keeps them from day-by-day activities (30%), and 8% report attempting suicide during the past times year. In addition, some 11% allege they experient dating violence during the past year - up from 7% in 1999. About 15% of teens report binge drinking, and 12% suppose they smoke marijuana. (Both rates possess fallen somewhat in recent years.)
Though many teens experience mental health issues, they ar often loath to recognize them and seek help. When asked who they are most likely to talk with when they feel sad, more than 20% of teens aforesaid they speak to no one, one-third said they would lecture to a friend only (31%), and just third said they would speak to an adult (32%). The Mindspace page responds to these issues with interactive features that raise awareness and combat stigma by helping teens identify with peers and prompt them to seek help oneself.
-- Video blogs for teen characters. Mindspace features fictitious, composite personalities, such as "Kyle," "Nicole," and "Stephanie," who story their struggles through video recording posts. Their stories about using drugs or suffering from depression unfold through updates. Any teen wHO visits the site john "friend" the characters and follow their stories. Additional characters will be added in approaching weeks.
-- Opportunities to reach out for help. By sending a confidential message to a mental wellness counselor from LifeNet, a service offered by the Mental Health Association of New York City, teens can scram help and referrals to treatment. Mindspace does not offer live assistance, only it encourages teens wHO need support to call 800-LifeNet - where counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week - or they rump call 911 in an emergency.
-- Quizzes, polls, games, and fact sheets. "Have you ever matt-up the pauperization to scathe yourself or others?" Teens can habit questions care these to test their knowledge and compare their feelings with those of their peers. Fact sheets, quizzes, and games that focus on stress and abuse offer guidance and perspective - and they can be forwarded to friends.
-- Music downloads. A standard slice of whatever popular page, this feature article invites teens to convey themselves by playing music to fit their moods.
"Social networking sites confront a alone opportunity to help teenagers with mental health problems," said Dr. David Rosin, Deputy Commissioner for Mental Hygiene. "By reaching out to youth people where they socialize, in a style they can relate to, we make it easier for them to talk and seek aid."
Social networking has become a fact of adolescent life. Research from the Pew Research Center shows that 93% of U.S. teens use the Internet and 85% of them visit social networking sites, with half of them visiting their personal profiles daily to interact with a larger online community. These sites provide an opportunity not only to share selective information, but to shift social norms. Young people wHO visit Mindspace will learn that the featured characters address their issues by talking to a counselor or calling LifeNet, and some will be divine to attain out themselves.
"Many teens are loath to attempt help," aforementioned Dr. Myla Harrison, Assistant Commissioner for Child and Adolescent Services. "Engaging with these characters may aid teens carry their feelings, connect with others and realize that help is available. They may too realize that they don't have to take risks and scupper themselves. Instead, they will see the characters think about how to calculate their have lives in a safer, healthier manner."
The Health Department john Drew on data from the city's biannual survey of public high school students in development the focal point areas for the safari. The Department convened a teen advisory panel to guide the look and feel of the page and shape the profiles and experiences of the teen characters.
For more statistics almost New York City teens, please witness these reports:
-- Mental Health of New York City Youth (PDF)
-- Teen Safety in New York City (PDF)
-- Substance Use Among New York City Youth (PDF)
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/home/home.shtml
More information
