Cry for Help

It's not so much that depressed kids want to die, we're told in Cry for Help, a very informative PBS documentary about teen suicide and violence; it's that kids who kill themselves just want to stop their pain. Inspired by both a rash of school shootings and the efforts of some high schools to prevent teen suicide, Cry for Help explores the causes of despair in young people and offers some creative solutions. According to the program, school is “ground zero” for kids whose lives are beleaguered by stress, dysfunctional families, and other relationship issues. Studies show that parents are unaware of their children's suicidal thoughts and attempts, so it's logical that schools should try to catch the warning signs of depression or rage within students while there's still time to take action. Cry for Help profiles innovative approaches implemented by some schools, including group exercises in compassion, the use of crisis teams, and educating teachers to notice and immediately address symptoms of depression. The film also presents several student stories reflecting common causes of teen depression, such as overachieving, dwelling on death, and stress brought on by school itself; and it features a first-person account by Stacy Hollingsworth, a talented student and musician who battled depression for years before recovering and becoming a spokesperson for the National Association of Mental Health Awareness. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (T. Keogh)