Case study

You think that one of your son's best friends might be suffering from clinical depression. The youth is 15 years old and used to spend a lot of time in your home and with your family. Lately, though, he has become more withdrawn, and you seldom see him. He told your son that he has considered suicide.

Your son didn't know how to handle the situation, came to you for advice, but he asked you not to tell anyone-especially the parents of his friend.

You know the friend's parents pretty well through school functions, although you are not close friends.

Do you respect your son's wishes and do nothing?

Do you decide to speak to his friend yourself to better assess the situation?

Do you determine that maintaining your son's confidence is not as important as intervening on behalf of his friend, and so you tell his parents what is going on? What do you do?

1 page inclufding reference