NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) — Centerstone, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit providers of behavioral health care, has just released its fifth superhero-themed comic book for teens.

Spark: Rising from the Ashes addresses the crucial topics of depression and suicide prevention among today’s youth. It is available now for distribution through Centerstone prevention specialists serving schools and community centers throughout 58 Tennessee counties. The free comic book can also be read and reprinted at Centerstone’s comics web page.

Centerstone created this original series of graphically illustrated comic books targeted to teenagers. Previous comics in the collection have dealt with other relevant topics adolescents face, such as bullying, sexting, underage drinking, and online safety.

Spark: Rising from the Ashes tells the origin story of Amber, a teenager who becomes the superhero known as “Spark,” and her experiences in the wake of her mother’s death. As a young girl dealing with a devastating loss, she struggles to focus, drops out of social activities and feels overwhelmed by depression and suicidal thoughts.

“At least when Mom was around I had some happiness,” she thinks to herself. “Now, I just don’t see a reason to go on.”

Encouraged by her dad to speak with a therapist, Amber first refuses due to stigma (“I’m not crazy.”), but later visits a behavioral health care professional and asks for help. With the heroic effort it took for Amber to talk about difficult feelings, she is more prepared than ever for a superhero situation that soon follows.

The new comic includes a four-page insert with information about warning signs of suicide and what to do when someone may be at risk as well as details about the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline [(800) 273-TALK]. Centerstone is a partner of the national Lifeline, answering calls and providing local support in multiple states.

“Depression and suicidal thoughts are among the most prominent mental health issues kids face today,” says Ashleigh Hall, a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS II) from Centerstone. “This new comic featuring Spark presents a creative way to spark conversations around tough, pressing topics.”

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 13 percent of adolescents ages 12 to 17 had at least one major depressive episode in 2016. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that depression rates have risen 63 percent since 2013 and that for youth from 10 to 24 years old, suicide is the leading cause of death.

Prevention specialists at Centerstone will distribute Spark: Rising from the Ashes during classroom presentations and to teachers at schools that have signed up to participate. The comic will also be made available at various school and community events as well as Centerstone’s outpatient clinics and website.

For more Centerstone resources for teens, head here.