This article covers the broad scope of suicide which claims 17000 lives in the U.S. annually. It describes how suicide deaths can be reduced by recognition of the warning signs, psychological mechanisms, & prompt, sincere treatment of depressed individuals. Professional help should be sought if the depression is increasing, hostility is not expressed & the patient conveys a wish to die. In cases of severe depression or suicidal risk, electro-shock therapy has proved up to 100 percent effective.