Book reveals warning signs of youth depression

• A new book about teenage depression and suicide for parents and families
• Produced in collaboration with Youth Focus
• Explores self-harm, alcohol and drug dependence, isolation, anxiety, depression

A new book about teenage depression and suicide for parents and families in spotting the warning signs and intervening early was launched by Mental Health Minister Helen Morton today.

Printed as 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.

"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," Mrs Morton said.

"Bulimia, cyber bullying, self-harm, dependence on alcohol and drugs, isolation, anxiety, 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 watch for.

Mrs Morton said the State Government had implemented a $13million suicide prevention strategy which aimed to decrease the impact and incidence of mental illness and suicide among young people.

       Fact File

• Suicide is the leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 19 years
• Three of every four suicides are young males
• 75 per cent 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 the state experience mental health problems or mental illness each year
• The recent State Government budget invested additional funding of $1.2million over four years from 2011-12 to 2014-15 to Youth Focus. This increases recurrent funding to $411,888 per annum from 2011-12.

Minister's office  - 9213 7250