Ben's Story: The Symptoms of Depression, ADHD, and Anxiety That Caused His Suicide

Ms. Carlson has done a sterling job of describing life with her son, Ben. Bright and severely depressed, Ben commits suicide. Naturally this act has a very devastating impact on his surviving family members. This book is not just about Ben, per se. It is a book about how suicide affects family members, red flags to watch for and other symptoms of severe depression. She does a good job of describing mental disorders other than depression and it is her loving, yet frank portrayal of Ben that the reader sees behind the Iron Curtain of suicide. It is a very moving book that most likely will bring tears to the eyes of readers. It is one that should be read and taken seriously.

Gut-wrenching in parts, but always frank and honest, this account of the life of a young teenaged suicide victim and his struggles is such an important work. "This book brings depression and suicide out of the closet," one other reader wrote, and she's right. There are as many reasons for suicide as there are people on earth, but there are some symptoms worth addressing, and Carlson's book is the guide to them. If you're dealing with a young person with depression, attention deficit disorder, or any type of anxiety disorder, this book is a must-read. Plainly written from the heart of someone who's been there (and who continues to work on these illnesses) "Ben's Story" will stay with you.