This article discusses the causes of suicide. Psychoanalytic & sociologial theories are examined, & Fromme’s theory (suicide comes after a calculation that life is not worth living) is supported by 2 examples of suicide notes. A specific motive for the elderly is confusion & for youth, loss. Suicide attempts are seen as a cry for help. Prevention should consist of getting rid of myths, recognizing danger signs, giving psychiatric diagnoses to attempters, & educating laypersons. (18 refs.) (RM)