This article, by a lay Befriender, describes & comments on different theories for why people commit suicide. Maris & Shneidman believe that most suicides are rational decisions, while Kreitman feels that rational suicide is exceedingly rare. Morgan feels that almost all suicidal are in need of psychiatric treatment. However, the author feels that the rationality of suicide is unimportant, but rather the person’s suffering. Suicide prevention should become a universal objective. (12 refs.)