Dying Is Not an Option

Each year, the teenage suicide rate climbs higher, leaving in its wake grief-stricken parents, stunned friends, and baffled professionals. In the first half of this thoughtful video, five teenagers tell their stories: three survived direct suicide attempts, one survived an indirect attempt (constant destructive behavior), and the last is living with the reality of his mother's successful suicide. All are of various genders, ethnicities, and sexual orientations, and so represent a good cross-section. Their stories are told with a minimum of feeling, but with brutal honesty. Isolation, being different, domestic problems, low self-esteem--all these are cited as contributing factors to suicidal tendencies. Each survivor talks of solutions to getting his/her life back together, and is in various stages of recovery. The second half of the video is simply a "talking head" presentation by Dr. Barry Garfinkel, an expert on the subject. He presents more clinical information and professional insights into the causes of teen suicide and possible prevention techniques. The first part is most effective for student viewing, especially in peer-counseling workshops, whereas the last half is obviously aimed at adult viewers. The excellent curriculum tends to make up for deficiencies in the video--it provides more background and practical information. Recommended. Aud: J, H, C. (E. Gieschen)