Life Experience and Mental Health Challenges The third largest cause of deaths in young Americans (age group- 15-24 years) is suicide. Over 30,000 Americans commit suicide annually. For each suicide case, six individuals, on an average, are estimated to be deeply affected; their grief for the suicide victim might continue for several subsequent years. Loved ones left behind by those who commit suicide tend to be much more intensely bereaved, as compared with those who mourn other sudden deaths; their agony is aggravated by complex feelings of shame and guilt. Though some victims leave behind 'suicide notes', attempting to explain what made them take such an extreme step, generally a range of factors lead to such drastic choices. Most of those who kill themselves aren't opting for death itself; rather, they often simply attempt to lessen their pain, be it psychological or physical. They might have, earlier, tried out other methods of putting an end to their pain (obviously, with unsuccessful outcomes), thereby being left with a feeling of hopelessness, wherein suicide becomes the only real option left for ending their torment (Moncher, Allison, & Bennett, 2008).

DeQuincy A. Lezine, in his story, Eight Stories up, begins with describing his worsening mental state during his college days, identifying some causes that led to the depression, which nearly claimed his life. Lezine, then, moves over to utilize his life experiences in offering practical counsel and wisdom for other youngsters contemplating suicide. In the story, written in easy, simple language, along with Dr. David Brent's psychiatric expertise, Lezine discusses known facts about adolescent suicides, how psychiatric therapy can be sought, and making the most of professional assistance and support.

Reflection

Eight Stories up is akin to a fountain, which flows dually and liberally, with technical knowledge and anecdotal information with regards to suicide. In an attempt to better comprehend...

The book may prove useful for grieving and/or concerned individuals. As well, it is likely to be useful to an immense variety of interested professionals seeking a better grasp of suicide, including: psychiatrists, psychologists, child psychiatrists, psychotherapists, psychiatric nurses, behavioral therapists, suicide prevention professionals, neurologists, pediatricians, social workers, primary healthcare physicians, drug counselors, mental well-being advocates, school nurses, and paramedics.
The book Eight Stories Up belongs to the Adolescent Mental Health Initiative group of books. The Foreword to the book explains that this Initiative was founded by Sunnylands' Annenberg Foundation Trust, in order to share knowledge regarding developments in preventing and treating teen mental health syndromes, with teenagers, parents and mental health specialists. Lezine, the author, is enrolled in the Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, University of Rochester as a Postdoctoral Researcher. In the book's preface, he elucidates that the book is aimed at being a guiding light to those individuals (particularly, young adults and adolescents) lost in suicidal thoughts, as well as being useful reservoir of information on suicide and related matters (Uzych, 2009).

The first chapter of the book begins with Lezine anecdotally discussing some details that led to his own suicidal crisis. Integrated further into this blend of practical topics is technical matter, which extends to discourse apprising the reader of possible connections between suicidal tendencies and specific minority groups. The author selectively recalls snippets from his family background that may have been relevant and helpful in solving his suicidal problem, and subsequent recovery. Intermingled with these personal reminiscences is scientific analysis of the tricky relationship of suicide with diverse personality…