TEEN SUICIDE

Hawaii has one of the highest rates of teen suicide in the country, a statistic which also includes teenagers who have planned or attempted suicide. Last year, Hawaii high school students attempted suicide at nearly double the national average. This week's panel will consist of both mental health experts and young people. They'll discuss what's causing our teens such distress, the warning signs, and what can be done to prevent suicide.

In addition to the teen guests, joining host Dan Boylan will be Antonia Alvarez, MSW, Director of Youth Suicide Prevention at Mental Health America of Hawaii; Barry Carlton, MD, Dept. of Psychiatry of the UH Medical School and Medical Director at Queen's Adolescent Inpatient Unit; and Scott Shimabukuro, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division, State Dept. of Health.

This conversation was recorded on July 15, 2010 in the PBS Hawaii studio. Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on Thursdays at 7:30.