Gives an account of the problems found in suicidal patients, their social networks, & the medical community. Some theory of suicidal behaviour is reviewed, & etiological factors considered. The suicide attempt is explained in 3 stages: prodromal (unrest & difficulty coping), crisis (culminating in the attempt), & recovery (during which failure may reinforce a sense of hopelessness). Attempted suicide is postulated to be a cry for help occurring within a pathological social network. (10 refs.) RM