Suicidal ideation was monitored in a 5-year follow-up of a representative sample of unemployed Norwegians. A prevalence of 17% was found in this sample. Five years later, suicidal ideaton was found in 6% of those who were re-employed & 22% of those still unemployed. Routine clinical examination was also tried for preventive purposes. In total, 8% of the unemployed subjects showed clinically significant suicidal ideaton. They were referred to a psychologist or their general practitioner.