by David Lester

About the author: David Lester is professor of psychology at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and the author of over 1,000 articles and 60 books on the subjects of suicide and murder.

Because suicidal behavior can occur anywhere, anytime and to anyone, it is essential that everyone have, at the very least, a basic understanding of suicide, its warning signs and how to respond when confronted with a situation of this sort. Of course, some people are able to come to grips with their problems on their own, but most suicidal people want and need help from others to help solve their problems, or at least to help get through a suicidal crisis.

The Role of Family and Friends

The most convenient and potentially most useful sources of help for the suicidal person are his friends and...