This study's data were collected by telephone and written questionnaires from 15- to 24-year-olds, the age reported to be at high risk for disorders such as depression. The survey revealed that of those contacted, one in four females and one in eight males reported high levels of depressive symptomatology. One in three had suicidal thoughts at some time. There were significant levels of risk-taking behavior including smoking, drinking, taking drugs, and engaging in unprotected sexual activity. Risky behaviors correlated with depression risk, but the direction of causality was not established. Young people in the study did not use traditional mental health services, but tended to rely on family and friends. Seventy-one of the young people who reported that they had attempted suicide did not receive medical assistance or see a mental health professional. Findings provide the basis for recommendations that stress the need for initiatives to decrease risk factors for depression among young people. The study's results also stress the need to enhance young people's interpersonal skills in order to enhance their family attachments and social relationships. (Contains 19 figures, 38 tables, and 53 references.) (JDM)