Presents signs & symptoms of depression & outlines an assessment plan for suicide risk. Warns that any talk of suicide, even casual, must be taken seriously. Contemplating suicide is a way AIDS patients try to maintain control of their lives; other ways of doing this are suggested. Discusses the meaning of denial & the misleading lifting of depression. Makes recommendations for dealing with suicidal patients & the staff’s bereavement. Presents 3 cases & discusses criteria for rational suicide.KM