Donate
'Running on Empty: Antidepressants and Youth Suicide' by Richard Vernall

'Running on Empty: Antidepressants and Youth Suicide' by Richard Vernall

Social Issues Jul 16, 2024 • Richard Vernall

"Running on Empty" by Richard Vernall is a crucial and deeply insightful exploration into one of the most pressing issues facing New Zealand today: youth suicide and the use of antidepressants. This meticulously researched book delves into the disturbing statistics of youth suicide rates in New Zealand, providing a historical overview from the 1980s to the present day. Vernall presents a compelling argument that, despite the widespread prescription of antidepressants, there has been negligible progress in reducing these tragic deaths.

Vernall's work stands out due to its thorough analysis and presentation of data, making it not just a narrative but an evidence-based examination of mental health interventions. The book reviews scientific studies on the adverse effects of antidepressants, questioning the efficacy of current medical practices and highlighting the urgent need for alternative strategies. This critical perspective is not only enlightening but necessary, as it challenges readers to reconsider how mental health is addressed within the healthcare system.

What makes "Running on Empty" particularly impactful is its holistic approach. Vernall doesn't stop at highlighting the problems but also explores potential preventative strategies and the broader implications of mental health on academic achievement and overall well-being. This makes the book a comprehensive resource for anyone involved in mental health, education, or policy-making.

The endorsements from experts in the field, such as Dr. James Hollings from Massey University and Professor Julia Rucklidge from the University of Canterbury, underscore the book's significance. They commend Vernall for his dedication to bringing this critical information to light, emphasizing the book's importance for health professionals, policymakers, and the general public.

In conclusion, "Running on Empty" is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand and address the complexities of youth mental health and suicide. Richard Vernall's thorough research and compelling arguments make this book not just informative but a catalyst for change. It is a vital contribution to public discourse, urging a re-evaluation of current practices and advocating for more effective, compassionate solutions.

This book is a must-read for educators, mental health professionals, policymakers, and anyone committed to improving the mental health and well-being of young people in New Zealand and beyond.

You can purchase Richard’s book here:

Or download the e-book here: 

 

 

Support

Life can be hard sometimes, but we want you to know it's easy to find help. If you've been affected by any of the content of this article, or need to talk to someone please visit our Need Help? page or help us support others - Make A Donation

Newsletter

For the latest news, keep up-to-date with the Kiwis For Good Foundation newsletter.

Uncovering the Significant Suicide Risk Associated With Gender Affirmation Surgeries Social Issues Uncovering the Significant Suicide Risk Associated With Gender Affirmation Surgeries With the increasing acceptance and prevalence of gender affirmation surgeries, a recent study has revealed a concerning trend: transgender individuals who undergo these procedures are at a higher risk of suicide or self-harm afterwards. This study examined data from over 90 million patients across the United States to understand the connection between gender affirmation surgeries and mental health. The researchers analyzed information from February 2003 to February 2023. Read Kiwis for Good: why should you contribute? PoliticsSocial IssuesCulture Kiwis for Good: why should you contribute? As the body of psychological science continues to expand, new methods of treating mental disorders and improving quality of life are being excavated. Activities which were previously considered purely recreational or physical in benefit, such as writing and physical exercise, are now being established as effective means with which to treat things like depression and anxiety. Read The Psychedelic Prescription PoliticsSocial IssuesCulture The Psychedelic Prescription Every year in Autumn, Magic Mushroom 'Fairies' go foraging for the many of the psychedelic mushroom varieties native to New Zealand Aotearoa. One such individual is "John". We have masked John's identity to protect him from prosecution. Read How We Saved Mia: A Race Against the Clock Social Issues How We Saved Mia: A Race Against the Clock Trigger Warning: This story discusses child sexual abuse (CSA) and may be triggering for some readers. If you or someone you know is going through something similar, please call 111 immediately or visit our Need Help section on the Kiwis For Good website. Read Unconditional Love, Ageing with Dignity, and Recognising Narcissism Social IssuesCulture Unconditional Love, Ageing with Dignity, and Recognising Narcissism For nearly sixteen years, I worked as a diversional therapist at Princess Alexandra Retirement Village in Napier. Two weeks ago, I made the difficult decision to resign. Read Lockdown Life 4: Approval, Acceptance and Affirmations PoliticsEnvironmentSocial IssuesCulture Lockdown Life 4: Approval, Acceptance and Affirmations We ended the last article with a brief description of disputation, accompanied by three interlocked disputation questions that can all be employed in cooperation with one another to unveil an alternate explanation for a troublesome thought or belief. We will return to disputation in a future article, but it would be most beneficial for us to continue to widen our understanding before deepening its focus on such specific practices. Read
Help Us Help Others!

Your donations are incredibly important for us, and enable us to use our initiatives to help our fellow Kiwis.

Donate today
Categories
About
Join Our Newsletter

For the latest news and projects, keep up-to-date with our newsletter. We promise not to spam you; we get enough of that ourselves!