The Bell Jar

Book: The Bell Jar
Author: Sylvia Plath
Pages: 288

Set in the 1950's, The Bell Jar is the story of the gifted, extremely intelligent, and young college graduate named Esther Greenwood. Esther spends some time interning as an editor at a magazine company in New York and afterwards experiences a psychological breakdown. She returns to her mother's suburban home but feels as though this world is just as superficial as her previous one. She finds herself unable to write and wonders if she will ever have a fulfilling life. Slowly Esther descends into a deep and suicidal depression that overtakes her entire body. She is placed in a psychiatric hospital where she undergoes electric shock therapy and continues her struggle with mental illness.    

Information about suicide:

• Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), surpassed only by accidents and homicide.
• Studies show that 4 out of 5 teen suicide attempts have been preceded by clear warning signs. These warning signs include: disinterest in favorite activities, problems at work, behavioral problems, substance abuse, declining grades, changes in sleep and eating habits, neglectful of hygiene, and withdrawing from family and friends.
• According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL): 19.3 percent of high school students have seriously considered killing themselves, 14.5 percent of high school students made actual plans for committing suicide, and 900,000 youth planned their suicides during an episode of major depression.

Sources:
About Teen Suicide
Teen Suicide

Speak

Book: Speak
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Pages: 198

Speak is the story of a high school freshman girl, Melinda, who has been through a traumatic event. However, she is not able to tell anyone about what happened to her. Her friends abandon her and Melinda becomes completely isolated and alienated. Her grades start to suffer and she stops talking in class. What happened to Melinda and what will happen to her?

Information about teenage alienation:

• Adolescents are the most frequent victims of feelings of alienation.

• The alienation often associated with the adolescent quest for identity commonly involves a distrust of adults, a rejection of their values, and a pessimistic world view.

• Teenage alienation is viewed as pathological if it accompanies serious psychological disorders, such as phobias and obsessions.

Sources:
Alienation Information

Questions:
Have you ever felt alienated or alone? How do you cope with these feelings?
How can you help someone else who seems to be alienating themselves?

Cut

Book: Cut 
Author: Patricia McCormick 
Pages: 160
 
Cut revolves around a 15-year-old girl named Callie. She's a high school student on track and seems pretty normal, except for the cuts she has on her arms. When the school nurse notices, Callie is sent to a psychological treatment facility where she refuses to speak to anyone until she meets Amanda.

Information about self-harm:

• Self-cutting is a form of intentional self-injury and self-mutilation, without the intent of suicide. 
• Cutting is most prevalent amount adolescent girls. 
• Cutting is the most common method of self-injury and is often done repetitively. 
• Treatment options for self-cutting problems include individual therapy, group therapy, medication (anti-depressants), and in-patient hospitalization

Sources:
Adolescents and Self-Cutting

Waiting for You

Book: Waiting for You 
Author: Susane Colasanti 
Pages: 336

This books centers around Marisa, a high school girl battling anxiety and depression. She is experiencing the ups and downs of her first relationship while her parents are on the verge of a divorce. Will Marissa continue waiting to fit in and find the one for her or will she take control of her life and learn to let go of her fears?

Facts about anxiety disorders: 

• Anxiety disorders are the most common of all the mental disorders. They affect an estimated 8 to 10 of every 100 children and adolescents. 
• Different types of anxiety disorders include phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.       
• How to fight anxiety:
  • Relaxation: The most effective and natural way to fight anxiety is to relax your mind and body. Yoga, meditation, daily walks, or just putting on your iPod and listening to your favorite music can help relax your mind and body.
  • Follow a timetable for sleep: Good sleep can cure anxiety better than any medicine. Daily activities can help you enjoy a good sleep every night.
  • Be optimistic: Pessimism can be a main cause of anxiety. Having an optimistic mindset can help a person fight anxiety.
  • Don't use drugs: Though you may feel that using alcohol and drugs relax you, they actually do the opposite. Alcohol and drug abuse can increase anxiety issues in the long run.
  • Consult a professional: If you have difficulty controlling your anxiety with these suggestions, it is a good idea to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist. He/she may also prescribe medicine which can help with anxiety disorders.

Sources:
Adolescent Anxiety --Impact of Anxiety in Teens
Focus Adolescent Services