Beneath the Surface

August 1, 2019
An overview of mental health problems and solutions for teens. Health educator and author Hugstad (What I Wish I'd Known, 2017, etc.) combines narratives with practical advice in this concise introduction to common mental and emotional health issues. The book begins with a discussion of brain development, and each subsequent chapter addresses a specific concern. Without getting bogged down in clinical descriptions, Hugstad covers depression, eating disorders, bullying, self-harm, PTSD, peer pressure and stress, anxiety, substance abuse, technology addiction, and suicide. Strengths include the comprehensive look at addiction and substance abuse, a keen attention to suicidal risk factors, and practical insights on healthy choices and finding help. Additionally, most chapters include a compelling youth perspective highlighting challenges and growth through a personal story. Unfortunately, Hugstad misses opportunities to consider the impacts of racism, sexism, heterosexism, and other factors that have been linked to mental health risk factors, particularly in the case of LGBTQ+ teens of color. The inclusion of someone diagnosed with gender dysphoria may date the material. Many chapters rightly suggest seeking medical support, and more information overtly addressing socio-economic stressors related to health care access may have been beneficial. Nevertheless, this book provides a useful synopsis, and the inviting tone befits the intended audience. A useful mental health primer for young people that unfortunately contains significant gaps. (endnotes, resources, discussion questions, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)

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September 1, 2019

Gr 7 Up- As a mother and psychologist who lost her husband to suicide, Hugstad is both personally and professionally committed to helping teens understand their experiences and providing useful and compassionate advice. The first chapter informs teens about brain development and explains why their brains both function and develop differently than adult brains. The following chapters cover an array of topics including depression, bullying, technology addiction, self-harm, anxiety, and substance abuse. In each chapter, Hugstad first defines a challenge then lists and explains the associated signs and symptoms. This is followed by a teen's personal story and concrete advice on getting help for themselves or a teen they know. In the chapter that discusses suicide, the author shares her story of her husband Bill's experience with mental illness, namely depression. The back of the text includes endnotes, a resources list, discussion questions, and an index. While Hugstad's book is highly thorough and compassionate, there is an absence of photographs, infographics, and illustrations. Including relevant visuals would help make the book more approachable. VERDICT An in-depth guide that can educate and empower teens in crisis. An important book that should be purchased for public and school library collections.-Jess Gafkowitz, Brooklyn Public Library

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