Review: 'Coping with Teen Suicide' by James M Murphy, MD

Coping with Teen Suicide by James M Murphy, MD, 1999, The Rosen Publishing Group, $2.57, hardbound, 125 pages. Cover: not bad. Category/Genre: reference. Where we got it: borrowed it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 

This book is a must-have for teens. (It wouldn't hurt to be in an adult's library, either.) Murphy walks the reader through various reasons for teen suicide, the primary one being stress. Murphy gives several ways teens can cope with stress, including speaking up (don't hold your feelings inside), negotiating (try to compromise to get what you want), and changing tactics if what you're doing isn't working. He also offers ideas on how to cope if you can't alter your situation.

Various ways to get help are described, and there's a handy list at the back of the book should you need to get in touch with any of these places. 

Murphy describes the stages of grief, goes over how you can help prevent suicide, and talks about the reasons you shouldn't commit suicide. He also includes scenarios based on real-life situations. 

This is a helpful book, and the subject matter is treated with respect. Teens are likely to respond to Murphy's easy writing style and compassion. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions?