Summary

Two years after the Virginia Tech shootings and a decade after the Columbine massacre, documentary filmmakers attempt to get at the source of the problem by exploring the topic of depression and mental illness in teenagers. Each week, 28 teens commit suicide, and 90-percent of those suicide victims have a diagnosable mental illness at the time of their death. Of course, not every teen who suffers from depression will perpetrate a school shooting, though since depression and thoughts of suicide are evident in all school shooters, effective mental health screening is crucial in keeping all of our children safe and preventing further tragedy. Stacy Hollingsworth was a straight-A student and gifted musician who always put on a happy face. But no one, including Stacy's parents, had any idea that she suffered from crippling depression. It wasn't until Stacy phoned home from a campus psychiatric hospital during her freshman year of college that her parents finally realized that something was amiss. By presenting Stacy's story, the filmmakers highlight just what parents can do to recognize the early warning signs, and get their children the help they need to lead happy, productive lives. Additional advice on how to recognize behavior and communications issues before they evolve into depression, anger, violence, or suicidal thoughts gives parents the information they need to address the issue before it becomes critical. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi