This public education article provides an overview of suicide by briefly discussing the seriousness of suicide & attempted suicide; those most prone to suicide (e.g. the grieving, the lonely); differences between the sexes; facts which put one at greater risk statistically (e.g. those who threaten to kill themselves, rely heavily on alcohol or drugs, have a chronic illness); practical steps to take in a suicide emergency & how to deal with the life crisis after the emergency. (GW)