The author of a new book about young adults and depression will speak about the subject at Regis University Monday night. Ross Szabo, the author of “Behind Happy Faces: Taking Charge of Your Mental Health (a guide for young adults),” will hold a discussion called “What Happy Faces Are Hiding: Talking About Depression.”
The topic is especially timely in light of newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control showing the largest one-year increase in 15 years for teenage suicide among some age groups. The suicide rate increased sharply in 2004 among 10-19-year-old females and 15-19-year-old males, the report says. “This is the biggest annual increase that we’ve seen in 15 years. We don’t yet know if this is a short-lived increase or if it’s the beginning of a trend,” said Dr. Ileana Arias, director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control in a statement. “Either way, it’s a harsh reminder that suicide and suicide attempts are affecting too many youth and young adults. We need to make sure suicide prevention efforts are continuous and reaching children and young adults.”
Szabo’s talk will be at Regis University’s Student Center at 8 p.m. and is free to the public.