"Recounting his bright but troubled youth, DeQuincy Lezine offers a candid description of his deteriorating state of mind in college and how it led him to formulate a detailed suicide plan. Hard-earned wisdom then becomes practical advice for other young people: in easy-to-understand language, and drawing on the psychiatric expertise of David Brent, M.D., Lezine offers information on how to seek psychiatric treatment, how to get the most out of professional help, and how to talk to loved ones about suicidal thoughts. The results is both a remarkable memoir and a useful guide that will ease the isolation and hopelessness caused by thoughts of suicide."--Jacket.

Crisis -- The background story -- Inside the suicidal mind -- Getting help -- Recovery -- Finding the phoenix : where I am today.