The MySpace page, called NYC Teen Mindspace features three fictional characters - Kyle, Nicole and Stephanie - designed to represent teens dealing with depression, drug use and other problems. The page allows the teenagers to take quizzes to analyse their mood and behavior and also directs them to counselors.
Though the page does not offer live assistance, the users of the site can obtain referrals for treatment by sending a confidential message to mental health counselors from LifeNet, a service offered by the Mental Health Association of New York.
MySpace is a popular online social networking site with young people. According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 58 percent of children ages 12 to 17 have a profile on MySpace.
According to the New York health department, 20 percent of teens in the city say they do not talk to anyone when they feel sad; 31 percent say they talk to a friend and 32 percent say they talk to an adult.
The health department says many teens are reluctant to seek help when they have problems. The Mindspace page uses interactive features to help teens combat stigma and ask for help.
