Teenage Depression Rates, Pbs Special On Teen Depression And Suicide

Q: Did I tell you guys that my daughter (14) did her first report at her new school on suicide and got an A+? She's really coming into her own living there. I'm so relieved. My first question of course was...um, honey? Why did you want to do it on that topic? She said it was on the topic list and that the general subject matter was ethics. The only student that got a higher grade did his report on Dr. Kevorkian...go figure...

A:Knowing the difference between normal teen angst and clinical depression often makes the difference between life and death. "On the Edge" breaks down taboos and common myths about depression in young people, speaking honestly and showing teens where and how to get help. Stepping in as co-hosts are the members of popular music group Third Eye Blind, whose hit song "Jumper" addresses themes of depression, suicide, and reaching out for help. Three teens who have been diagnosed with and treated for depression recount their battle-- and victory. Dr. Belisa Lazano-Vranich from the National Mental Health Association gives us a doctor's eye view of the symptoms, causes, and solutions surrounding depression. Then, we visit small-town life in Pierre South Dakota, and investigate why this city of 13,000 has the highest per capita rate of teen suicide in the U.S. Pierre residents also show us how teens and adults have joined together to confront the issue with education and prevention. The program also takes an intimate look at the friends and family left in the wake of suicide. Through information and open dialogue about a longstanding social stigma, teens will get the facts and be better able to help themselves and their peers battle a national epidemic. This special, which was funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, will be fed to PBS affiliates on Saturday, September 26. Different PBS stations will air the program on different dates and times; we urge you to check your local listings or contact your local station for confirmation. For more information about the program, affiliate airtimes, or how to obtain a videotape copy, "In the Mix" carries extended off-air taping rights; we invite educators, counselors, and youth leaders to record the program and use it in the classroom. A free teacher's Discussion Guide is available by calling (212) 684-3940; it will also be posted on our website by the end of the week and can be printed directly from there.

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