Suicide is an important cause of death in developing & developed countries. Because of its multifactorial nature it is often difficult to study. Suicide also brings with it social stigma &, in some cases, legal repercussions. Suicide is generally underreported &, therefore, services directed at decreasing its incidence are not given priority. This retrospective study of suicide deaths over a period of 2 years in the Lalitpur district of rural Nepal demonstrates the complicated issues involved, & suggests some appropriate strategies for addressing suicide risk. (8 refs.)