This great livelovelaugh book which was launched in Mental Health Week 2011 by Mental Health Minister Helen Morton reveals the warning signs of youth depression. This book is specifically for parents and families, to assist them to spot the early warning signs.
Fact File
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for young people aged 15 – 19 years.
- Three of every four suicides are young males.
- 75% of adults who experience mental illness are first diagnosed in adolescence – most before the age of 15 years.
- Around a third of young people in WA experience mental health problems or mental illness each year.
Printed as a coffee table book, Teenage Depression Warning Signs by Michelle Ferry and Janette Philp was produced in collaboration with Youth Focus to help adults, particularly parents and grandparents, as they support children through adolescence. It explores self-harm, alcohol and drug dependence, isolation, anxiety and depression.
“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”, Ms Morton said. “Bulimia, cyber bullying, self-harm, dependence on alcohol and drugs, isolation, anxiety and 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.”
The Minister said the book, which balances wisdom and compassion, with stories true to life, could help in saving the life of a child by pointing out signs to look for.
You can buy the book here.