What to look for as a Teen

Introduction

Trust your gut

There usually is a reason why you are feeling concern for an acquaintance or friend. Maybe you saw a look on their face, someone said something that was not quite right, or someone gave you something that was personal and there was no real reason to be giving it to you.

If you have ever heard that people who talk about suicide will not try to attempt suicide, this is a myth. There are many other myths about suicide, like people who try to kill themselves must be mentally ill. These myths sometimes stop people like you from trying to help people who are at risk for suicide. If you have a feeling that someone may try to kill themselves, but you are not sure why, ask an adult for advice and support...

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References for What to look for as a Teen

Life Situation

The following situation is an example of how a teen in a school setting might come across a threat or subtle sign of suicide risk in a friend:

Shantee is a quiet young woman aged 17 and is in her senior year of high school. She gets good grades and is a member of the track team. Shantee does not have a lot of close friends, but is friendly with most people in her class.

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Resources

Electronic, print, and multimedia resources are provided to help you to find additional authoritative information on What to look for as a Teen. These resources are available from such national organizations as The National Institute of Mental Health as well as professional organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and educational institutions.

Internet

HelpGuide

Helpguide is a non-commercial, consumer-friendly Web site, developed by the Santa Monica, CA Rotary Club and the Center for Healthy Aging. The HelpGuide.org Web site provides expert information on mental health and aging.

Helpguide.org provides a Web page titled Depression in Teenagers available at the following Web address:

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen.htm

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What to look for

>>Myths

>Professional resources