Resources: Teen Suicide and Depression

"Will's Choice," Gail Griffith's account of her son's suicide attempt, chronicles the lessons she learned from the experience. Among the many resources available on teen suicide prevention and the treatment of depression in teenagers:

· American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry ( http://www.aacap.org/ ) Professional medical association publishes a "teen suicide information" fact sheet; included is a list of behaviors common among teens who attempt suicide. Click on "Facts for Families," then "teen suicide." 202-966-7300.

· American Academy of Pediatrics ( http://www.aap.org/ ) Professional group offers tip sheet called "Some Things You Should Know About Preventing Teen Suicide." Search for "preventing teen suicide."

· American Psychiatric Association Provides a checklist for teens (at http://www.psych.org%20/public_info/teenag~1.cfm ) to help determine if they have signs of severe depression. Call 888-35-PSYCH for psychiatrist referrals.

· American Psychological Association's Consumer Help Center ( http://www.apahelpcenter.org/ ) Provides advice and information, as well as details about the links among depression, suicide and eating disorders. Search for "teen depression." Call 800-964-2000 for psychologist referrals.

· National Alliance for the Mentally Ill ( http://www.nami.org/ ) This group provides brochures and fact sheets as well as reports on recent research and links to other mental health Web sites. Click on "Child/Teen" under red "Find Support" heading.

· National Institute of Mental Health ( http://www.nimh.nih.gov/ ) Provides a range of information, including resources for learning about depression in children and adolescents, as well as a list of frequently asked questions about suicide. Under additional health information, click on "suicide prevention." Call 800-421-4211 to obtain depression publications.

· National Mental Health Information Center The federal Center for Mental Health Services puts out a tip sheet, "Teen Mental Health Problems: What Are The Warning Signs?" (at http://www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/Ca-0023/default.asp ) listing ways to detect mental health problems in teens.

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-- January W. Payne