What people are saying about A Reason to Live:

“We first saw A Reason To Live when viewing endless documentaries for a film series on Mental Health and Illness. When the film committee viewed this documentary it was the first that we immediately and unanimously agreed upon. We were moved by the diversity of voices of the youth who have all experienced depression that led them to attempt suicide: young women and men of different races, ethnicities, sexual orientation, family backgrounds and life experiences. Despite the heartbreaking topic, this captivating and  beautifully done film leaves the audience not with a sense of despair but rather hope, as well as providing valuable resources for support. A Reason To Live is an important film for anyone who is living with or knows a troubled teenager or young adult.”

-Ann Sterin, Social Action Committee Congregation Shomrei Torah, Santa Rosa, California

“This poignant documentary adds a personal perspective to a major public health problem, highlighting that while there is a need for suicide prevention and intervention, current treatments for depression are promising & offer hope.” – Dr. Betsy Kennard, University of Texas – Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas

“This sensitive, carefully-constructed film leaves an unforgettable impression. From bleak moments to rays of hope: it tells the truth.” – YOUTH TODAY Magazine

“This documentary is a class act … a compassionate educational tool that is destined to have a positive impact. This film is highly recommended.” – Educational Media Reviews Online

“Realistic and reassuring, this is a useful resource for teens, parents, and educators.” – Booklist, American Library Association

“Suicide is a silent killer of young adults, and A Reason to Live gives a voice and hope to the deadly silence. As an educator, this film has become an invaluable tool that has only begun to change and touch the lives of many young adults. At a recent training with the film, a teenage girl said, ‘I identified with so many things in the film and, now, I know that I am not alone.’ Hope saves lives, and A Reason to Live is our new hope!” – Missy Wall, Director, Teen CONTACT Program, CONTACT Crisis Line Dallas, TX

“An innovative, provocative approach to teen suicide and the families left behind. Allan and Cynthia Salzman Mondell have captured the essence of teen suicide and mental illness — anger, fear, desperation, and the unsettling (for us) peace that descends upon them once the final decision is made. The parents and the surviving teens are extremely brave and forthright in this dramatic and intense documentary about teen suicide and a society that doesn’t know how to prevent it.” – John Dornheim-NAMI Texas, Green Oaks Behavioral Health Care Services

“… (The film) is long overdue. It is a great resource for colleges and universities to open the dialogue with students.” – Dr. Linda Holloway, Chair-Dept. of Rehabilitation, Social Work & Addictions-University of North Texas