'This book will make a significant contribution to improving our understanding of suicide among the young' Simon Armson, Samaritans

Worldwide, suicide is one of the leading causes of death amongst young people, and numbers continue to increase. Many more young people have experienced suicidal thoughts, or have self-harmed or attempted suicide. What makes someone particularly vulnerable? Why do proportionally more young men than women resort to suicide? What can be done to support people and prevent young deaths?

The Long Sleep explores the origins, symptoms and meanings of young peoples' suicidal crises and argues the need for sensitive responses and improved understanding if current rates are to be curbed. Combining moving accounts from relatives and young attempters with the evidence of extensive research into the subject, Kate Hill offers important and timely insights into an area fraught with fear and denial.

This classic self-help book has been fully revised and considers:
· Myths around suicide
· Current perspectives around mental and physical healthcare development and support
· Social, environmental and personal factors that may be triggers
· How to listen to and support young people at risk
· Where and when to seek professional help

Kate Hill began this book after her brother's death, aged twenty. Her book inspired further research at the University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry, where she had worked with the Centre for Suicide Research and the Samaritans. She also edited the SIBBS (Support in Bereavement for Brothers and Sisters) quarterly newsletter and contact network of The Compassionate Friends, and put together an information pack on bereavement from sudden death for the Samaritans. Kate Hill died of a haemorrhage, in an unexpected brain bleed, in 1994.

This revised edition was co-ordinated by Kate's sister, Anna Hill, with support from Dr Ailsa Snaith and Dr Andrew Parsons. Kate's work and the stories that she captured have been brought up to date to continue to have a positive impact on young lives today.