Eight Stories Up

DeQuincy A. Lezine, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Rochester Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide. David Brent, MD, is Academic Chief of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, and Professor of Child Psychiatry, Pediatrics & Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where he holds the Endowed Chair in Suicide Studies.

• ForewordPrefaceOne: CrisisWalking into MadnessA Colossal Wave of DespairDeath on the MindThe JumpSaying GoodbyeOne of Many in a Desolate ClubMourning the ThousandsTwo: The Background StoryIntelligent and Spirited Child Meets Urban Black WorldTurbulent BeginningsThe Hidden Background Story: Biology and Genetics"Escape" From L.A.Three: Inside the Suicidal MindDarkening ThoughtsPainful EmotionsWarning Signs, ReduxPsychiatric Disorders Related to SuicideRiding Out the Wave of OddsFour: Getting HelpPsychotherapyPeer SupportMedication 101Paying for TreatmentThe Bottom LineFive: RecoveryHospital LogThe Immediate Aftermath of a Suicidal CrisisThe Road to RecoverySix: Finding the Phoenix: Where I Am TodayA Worse Than Average DayThe Big PictureRebirth: Starting OverRekindling Happiness From the AshesFind Your Inner PhoenixFrequently Asked QuestionsGlossaryResourcesBibliographyIndex

"[This book] is a fountain dually flowing copiously with anecdotal data and technical information about suicide. Laypersons thirsting for better understanding of suicide may be quite satisfied by the book's intellectually nourishing contents. And its contents may, as well, be very healthful to those thirsting professionally for better understanding of suicide, including: psychiatrists, child psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, behavioraltherapists, psychiatric nurses, neurologists, suicide prevention experts, social workers, pediatricians, primary care physicians, school nurses, drug counselors, paramedics, and mental health advocates."--Metapsychology Online Reviews"For those of us who have gotten caught in the rip current of depression, Eight Stories Up is a tether, a lifeline, with which we can begin to pull ourselves back to shore." --Brent Runyon, author of The Burn Journals"Eight Stories Up is a practical, useful, and compelling book that should be in every high school library and on every therapist's shelf. Lezine and Brent have taken the complex, multifaceted problem of suicide and put it into language and examples that everyone can benefit from. Eight Stories Up clears up the confusion about suicide, answers the questions so many have, and sheds light on the practical, real-life struggle of one teen whoovercame the demons, myths, and horrors of mental illness. As you walk through the author's life in this book, you will relate, learn, and develop your own insights to help get you through. What a fabulous book of hope andinspiration for anyone who feels their life might be over. Read Eight Stories Up and you will know that it is not!" --Daniel J. Reidenberg, Psy.D., FAPA, Executive Director (SAVE) Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, and Fellow, American Psychotherapy Association"Interspersed with the poignant and personal experience of his own near-suicide, Lezine offers education and hope for others who may be thinking of ending their lives." --Bev Cobain, author of When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens and Dying to Be Free: A Healing Guide for Families after a Suicide"Eight Stories Up is a powerful and important book. It offers hope to those without it and provides clear, practical suggestions for individuals and family members whose lives are hit by suicidal despair. I cannot recommend this book highly enough." --Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and author of An Unquiet Mind"A candid account of life's trials and hopes, Eight Stories Up is an engaging narrative perfect for any adolescent who may feel lost or alone. Infused with facts and resources, DeQuincy Lezine's gripping story of his depressed adolescence and chronicle of recovery brings us into his world and lets us all know we're not alone. With an honest view of his life and experiences, Lezine teaches all adolescents how to choose hope over suicide." --AlisonK. Malmon, Founder and Executive Director, Active Minds, Inc."[P]owerful...In short, this book puts the complex, multifaceted problem of suicide into language and examples that everyone can understand and use. It should be in every high school and college library and on every therapist's shelf. Offering hope to suicidal youth, who typically feel that no one will understand their pain and who doubt that anyone cares enough to help, this book will inspire suicidal teens to seek help." --Choice"Lezine's survival offers hope: Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he maintains his health and spirits. When youth workers and other caring adults place this lifesaving guide in young people's hands, they are introducing a wise and caring friend." --Youth Today