Donate a Recipe; Prevent Teen Suicide and Depression

Suicide; just the thought of it conjurs up an unimaginable sense of fear in a parent’s heart. It is difficult for many of us to imagine the pain of dealing with such an event, and yet many families and communities are left to endure it. In fact, it is in springtime when the rates of self-injury, depression and suicide peak. Each year 2000 teenagers and young adults complete suicide; it is the third leading cause of death for this age group. Here are a few facts you should know:

• 90% of suicides in the United States are associated with mental illness, including disorders involving the abuse of alcohol and other drugs

• 50% of those who die by suicide were afflicted with major depression, and the suicide rate of people with major depression is eight times that of the general population

• 3 times more women attempt suicide than men, however men are 4 times more likely than women to die as a result

• In 2007, 14.5% of U.S. high school students reported seriously considering suicide. 6.9% reported making at least one suicide attempt, almost 1/3 of which resulted in serious injury.

Foods-4-Thought is a non-profit that is “bringing awareness to teen depression.” Based in Washington DC, they have a unique approach, wanting to influence and increase discussion about suicide and depression one conversation at a time. To support that theme, they are asking for recipe donations to be used in a fund-raising cookbook. The cookbook also provides a venue for memorials for loved ones lost.

This is a gut-wrenching topic, yet depression can be prevented. Adolescent Wellness, Inc. focuses on depression prevention by increasing awareness, resilience and coping skills. Actions taken at the school and community level benefit all kids rather than attempting to focus on those at risk at a particular moment. And, in conjunction with professionals at Children’s Hospital and McLean Hospital they have created “An Adolescent Mental Health & Wellness Curriculum” that is downloadable and available for free. Adolescent Wellness Inc. is working with leaders in the mental health field, and committed to providing tools to communities who understand how important preventative efforts truly are.

MSNBC recently reported on the recommendations from a panel of experts that all teens should be screened for depression through a simple questionnaire administered by physicians.

If you are not going to get your teen screened anytime soon, at least get comfortable talking about this illness. Use your kitchen table as ground zero for this important and regular kind of discussion. This isn’t too scary to talk about; rather, it is too scary NOT to talk about it. And while you are at it – share a favorite recipe.

Here are some resources from the two non-profit organizations named above:

Resources for Parents from Adolescent Wellness

Resources from Foods-4-Thought