When this happens, people may begin to think of suicide as a way to resolve the problems. We know that most people who consider suicide talk to at least one person about their feelings and plans before making a suicide attempt. If you are that confidante, you suddenly must decide how you respond. The information in this booklet provides some signs to recognize when a person is in trouble and some ways you can help. Most suicidal behavior starts with depression.
Loss often causes depression.
The loss may be the death of a friend or family member or the loss of a parent through divorce. Loss may be having a close friend move away or the end of a romantic relationship. Loss may be not reaching expected goals such as a place on the team or the honor roll. Add these to the normal stresses of growing up and a crisis may occur. When a person feels this way, his or her ability to solve problems may be lessened.