CONCLUSION

Suicide—the deliberate ending of one’s own life—is an important public health concern. One important thing to consider is that most people are ambivalent about dying by suicide. They are caught in a situation from which they see no way out but to end their lives. This ambivalence is important, as it is the starting point at which an effective intervention can occur.

It is imperative that healthcare professionals understand the ways in which they can screen individuals at risk of suicide. This includes recognizing who is at risk, especially those who may be at high risk in the near future. Reducing suicide also depends on a comprehensive approach to prevention.