I know the common misconception is that if someone you know is telling you that they want to kill themselves, they must just be trying to get attention. It's only logical: if someone really wanted to kill themselves, they wouldn't tell anyone so that way they could go through with it, obstacle free. But this is NOT the case. If anyone you know threatens suicide, chances are they are completely serious, and even if they aren't, wouldn't you rather be safe than sorry? Tell a capable adult right away, and keep telling this person how much they mean to you and that you want them in your life.

I know the common misconception is that if someone you know is telling you that they want to kill themselves, they must just be trying to get attention. It's only logical: if someone really wanted to kill themselves, they wouldn't tell anyone so that way they could go through with it, obstacle free. But this is NOT the case. If anyone you know threatens suicide, chances are they are completely serious, and even if they aren't, wouldn't you rather be safe than sorry? Tell a capable adult right away, and keep telling this person how much they mean to you and that you want them in your life.

http://www.mentalhealth.com/

If you think someone you know might be suicidal, let someone else know! My friend used to say "suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem," and it's so true. You don't want to be left thinking you could have done something to stop someone from killing themself. It's worth the chance of being wrong to say something to that person or an authority figure.

Try using exercise as a way to get out aggression, stress and other negative feelings. I like to rock out to trashy pop music and go rollerblading. http://youthnoise.com/page.php?page_id=2913

Search the YN Personal Health knowledgebase for mental health resources in your area, and add your own tips!

It's a very difficult thing to describe how to know when someone you know is dealing with depression. It may be that they seem a little more withdrawn than usual, but then again, many teens are like that anyway. The best way to discover how another person is feeling is as simple as talking with them. Asking the individual how they are feeling and what's causing them to feel that way can benefit them greatly and save others around the person much stress and worry. It can seem that depressino is just another compaint that people make as if they were moaning about the weather. The thing that is difficult with depression and certainly any mental illness is that it cannot be seen. If someone had a broken leg or injured their arm, it would be visible to everyone and indeed could provoke sympathy for the injured person. But with mental illness, there is no cast to sign, no sling or visible aplliance. It is all inside the person and it a lingering nuisance that plagues many people the world over. This is why it is vital for people to recognise why people suffer from mental illness, what causes it and most importanly, how to deal with it. Once others are aware of the problem, they will be one step closer to curing it. So recognition of mental illness is important in all aspects of media and communicative situations. Being aware, is half the battle

View statement by conorjordan

Since Katrina, New Orleans residents have had super high rates of depression. Not too shocking, right? I think the government should be making sure people who need mental help are getting it.

View statement by nolagirl

One of my good friends has struggled with anxiety and depression in the past, and I want to be able to understand and help her. It's not something we should just write off as "being sad." There's more to it than that.

View statement by progressive