The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has partnered with the New York State Office of Mental Health on a film project that aims to educate high school students about depression. Since the majority of suicides are caused by untreated or inadequately treated depression, it is AFSP’s hope that by teaching adolescents to recognize the signs of depression in themselves and others, suicide deaths among teenagers in New York State and nationwide will decrease.

The project consists of two separate 25-minute DVDs that will include Internet and collateral materials. The first film, More Than Sad: Teen Depression, is available now features four character vignettes, each designed to present to teens a recognizable picture of depression, reduce fears and misconceptions about treatment, and promote help-seeking behavior: “Lana,” a 14 year old Hispanic girl with a melancholic depression; “Ray,” a 16 year old African American boy with anxiety and depression; “Jake,” a 15 year old Caucasian boy with a violent temper and a drinking problem accompanying his depression; and “Delia,” a 16 year old depressed Caucasian girl who is chronically bullied and experiences an acute episode. The film has now been listed in the Best Practices Registry for Suicide Prevention.

A second film, More Than Sad: Preventing Teen Suicide, available in early 2010, will educate teachers and other school personnel about the causes of youth suicide, warning signs and steps they can take to get help for students. Key messages to teachers include paying close attention to any observed behavioral changes in their students, speaking to those students, and referring those who may be suffering from a mental disorder to a nurse or school counselor. The film also encourages teachers to familiarize themselves with their own school’s referral and crisis policies.

Both films stress that the first step kids should take if they think they are depressed is to talk to their parents or another trusted adult.

The films were produced by Break Thru Films for AFSP, and will be distributed to high schools throughout New York State and nationwide.

Through its partnership with NYSOMH, AFSP will collect data that will be used for evaluation.

Suicide is currently the third leading cause of death among youth ages 10 to 18, with adolescent depression being the leading cause.