WHAT I'D TELL MY YOUNGER SELF REGARDING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

I made this video for the Child Mind Institute. I’m grateful to be a part of their #myyoungerself project.

Child Mind Institute

Published on Apr 20, 2019

Sonia Patel is a physician and author. Patel is psychiatrist in Oahu and is passionate about helping teens work through emotionl obstacles. She is also the author of several books including, "Rani Patel in Full Effect," and "Jaya and Rasa: A Love Story."

#MyYoungerSelf by Child Mind Institute is an anti-stigma campaign. We are grateful to Sonia for her willingness to open up about her childhood experience with anxiety and depression.

ABOUT CHILD MIND INSTITUTE As an independent, national nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders, we deliver the highest standards of care, advance the science of the developing brain, and empower parents, professionals, and policymakers to support children when and where they need it most.

JAYA AND RASA: A LOVE STORY selected for the 2019 IN THE MARGINS BOOK AWARD!

The characters of Jaya & Rasa are amalgams of some diverse LGBTQ teens I’ve treated, ones facing horrific situations (sex trafficked, physically/emotionally/sexually abused, bullied, and/or suffering from untreated mental health issues including suicidal thoughts and attempts). I’m grateful my version of their struggles and triumphs has been included on the 2019 In the Margins Recommended Fiction Book List!

“In the Margins strives to find the best books for teens living in poverty, on the streets, in custody - or a cycle of all three. Our charge is to seek out and highlight the best fiction and non-fiction titles (Pre-K through adult) of high-interest appeal to youth ages 9-21 living in poverty, on the streets, or in custody...Youth feedback is a critical factor in both book nomination and selection.” —In the Margins Selection Committee

https://inthemarginssite.blog/2019-2/

https://inthemarginssite.blog/awards-list/