The author states that suicide stems from 2 factors: the self-destructive wish, & the impairment of self-control. The case history of a 42 year-old depressed female is used for illustration. Although she felt suicide was wrong, she was able to rationalize her suicide attempt. The control of self-destructive impulses may be impaired by denial, prolonged sleeplessness, alcohol, narcotics, sedatives & hallucinogenic drugs.