TEENAGE DEPRESSION WARNING SIGNS

Recently launched by Mental Health Minister Helen Morton (October 2011), Teenage Depression Warning Signs will help adults, particularly parents and grandparents, as they support children through adolescence. This book is an ideal resource for those who are concerned about whether the teen in their care or close to them is in fact being a 'typical teenager' or has a mental health issue, like depression, requiring attention. Written by parents with hands-on-experience in living with teens with mental health issues, this user friendly book shows readers what to look out for and provides steps on what to do if they detect a mental health problem. Teenage Depression Warning Signs contains 108 pages with a theme to each story from a teenager in crisis. Each story in the book is prefaced with a graphic of a warning sign and a description of the warning sign, followed by an inspirational quote, a teen's personal story and an action step to act upon. "Parents know their kids better than anyone so are well placed to notice the Warning Signs of depression and suicidal thoughts in their children, but as this book shows, mental illness is often a hidden phenomenon, even to parents," Mrs Morton said. "Bulimia, cyber bullying, self-harm, dependence on alcohol and drugs, isolation, anxiety, depression are often experienced by teenagers in silence. There are signs to look for, and this book will increase our chances of finding them and intervening early before their illness worsens." Some facts to consider: - Suicide is the leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 19 years - Three of every four suicides are young males - 75 per cent of adults who experience mental illness are first diagnosed in adolescence - most before the age of 15 years As parents, caregivers, a teacher, coaches, confidants and role-models, your children's positive well-being is vital. By reading this book, you could indeed help save a young life. Australian.