Most people who think of suicide never act to harm themselves. Obviously, this is a very good thing. But those who talk about suicide are more likely to act on their thoughts. Since we cannot know who will and who will not attempt suicide, we must respond to all those who communicate their suicidal thoughts by getting them evaluated and treated. Even if a person is trying to gain attention, the fact that he or she might act suicidal or even harm himself or herself in order to get that attention is a sign that the person is in desperate need of our help.
People talk about suicide for a wide variety of reasons.
Leave the determination of their true motives to professionals who may be able to better understand and help them. The great majority of people seriously thinking about suicide have treatable emotional and psychological problems. They get better with help. We cannot prevent someone from killing himself or herself in every instance. However, it is very important to understand that the suicidal state is usually time-limited.