Few mental health subjects other than suicide contain more public misunderstanding. This article was incited by my county's mailed handout containing its risk indicators which include substance abuse, depression, and a family history of suicide. All being true though the major risk factors of suicide are the degree of self-control possessed, the presence of lethal means as a gun or drug, and if suicidal intent is present. Important facts were omitted, including reassuring ones such as depression (the "depressing" of feelings) being part of the human condition and commonly experienced when one struggles with an important personal decision.
While every expression of suicide should be professionally evaluated, its act is relatively rare when compared with its utterance. Virtually everyone hints of suicide sometime during their life ("I could kill myself") but relatively few do. Its incidence is like the proverbial needle in the haystack and why suicide prevention programs have questionable benefit though more public education about child psychological development and developmental psychopathology (a term coined long ago by my doctoral advisor) is certainly needed.
Suicide is motivated not by an immediate disappointment in love or work but from long-term despair: deep feelings of worthlessness derived from unsupportive parenting early in life. Then, at some future time, a major stress occurs, the early feelings of worthlessness resurrect and suicide is attempted. Because there is a biological imperative to live, alcohol or drug use is often present during this act.
A suicidal gesture is usually a cry for help, intended to gain the person their long resisted but needed treatment. And, contrary to another widespread belief, teenage cutting reflects self-hatred and the attempt to relieve stress rather than seeking death though accident can occur. Though certainly unwise, its real danger is the possibility of life-long scarring. Nuff said.