Teen Suicide: The Silent Threat

This episode from A&E's Investigative Reports series examines a few of the root problems that might lead to teen suicide, with a heavy focus on bipolar disorder, depression, and anorexia. Interviews with parents, family members, and friends of victims, as well as survivors, poignantly portray the grief and pain those who commit suicide leave behind. While the program does offer contact information for two national organizations, I wish it had delved a little deeper and addressed other causes of suicide, mentioned warning signs for recognizing high-risk teens, and provided more resources for getting help. Viewers would have benefited more from having professionals outline potential symptoms, so that a parent or educator might recognize the difference between someone who could be suicidal and someone who is simply having a bad day. Instead, this was more like one long introduction to manic depression and depression. Yes, teen suicide is tragic; yes, it hurts everyone; yes, mental health professionals sometimes fail us. But what can we do to recognize those at risk and how can we do more to help? These questions are pretty much left unanswered. Better choices here would be: Suicide: A Guide to Prevention (VL-11/98) and Preventing Adolescent Suicide (VL-7/98). Aud: J, H, P. (L. Stevens)