Suicide is serious business.
Suicidal subjects are generally seeking relief or escape from an intolerable situation, and they have usually experienced a gradual erosion of coping skills before suicide is considered as a solution. Most do not really want to die. They want to be rescued, but they don't know who to ask for help or even how others may be able to help. If you encounter an individual you feel may be suicidal, consider the following when responding. Remember that suicidal behavior is an extreme form of communication.