Class teaches teens signs of depression, how to prevent suicide

CINCINNATI (Deb Dixon) - There was a significant increase in teen suicides in our area in 2016, and it's not clear why. When coroners from across Ohio got together for their annual meeting, it was a major topic of discussion. Social media is a contributing factor, but so is mental illness. National data shows a scary trend about teen suicide, but not all the causes behind it. In Hamilton County so far in 2016, there have been five suicides, ages 18 and under. That's compared with six in all of 2015 and four in 2014. The youngest was just 12 years old. "As a mother of two teens now, it's concerning," said Hamilton County Coroner Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco. "Every time we see this, it's hard not to put yourself in those parents' shoes." How can parents tell the difference between teen angst and depression, the unbearable kind that leads to suicide? "You don't know when to take it seriously and intervene and when not to give the attention they're seeking," said Sammarco. "Ask questions, get them to share those feelings." In the Cincinnati Children's Hospital's four-day Surviving the Teens class, students are taught how to identify depression in themselves and their friends. It might mean asking the tough question: Are you thinking about committing suicide? The signs of depression can be subtle: moody, anxious, angry, isolated. And when it comes to bullying? The lesson is clear: say something. "What message are you saying to the victim if you say nothing? [You're saying] you deserve this," nurse, Cathy Strunk said. Trauma, violence and grief can all lead to depression. Strunk shared a video about her son's death from a motorcycle accident in 2004. "He was not invulnerable, like kids think they are," she said. "I'm more determined to save teens' lives because of my own tragedy." Sometimes that happens the first day of class "A lot of times in the first day, teens have come to me and said, 'Because of you I'm getting help.,'" said Strunk. The class is four days of knowledge that is power. "I would be perfectly comfortable [asking someone if they're thinking about suicide]. They're human and need help. You would want someone to help you," said Cory Lawson, a 10th grader at Loveland High School. While experts try to find the cause of increased teen suicide, this class could be one of the solutions.