PLEASE NOTE: Although understanding suicide is an important part of my practice, I am not able to provide immediate crisis services for people viewing this site.  If you are in any immediate danger, please take good care of yourself by seeking assistance from your nearest hospital, local crisis hotline, or other local mental health providers.  The American Association of Suicidology  provides a hotline at           1-800-273-TALK (8255).   Whether a person is just starting to think about self-harm, talking about dying, or has actually made a suicide attempt, I believe it is most essential to explore the healthy reasons behind the thoughts and actions. Yes, the healthy reasons, because here as elsewhere, I believe actions derive from underlying healthy needs and the route out of pain involves looking at those healthy needs. If a suicide has been completed, the challenges continue for the Survivors of Suicide, that is, the people left behind.  Here the emotions run a wide gamut, with confusion and anger complicating the sadness and loss.  Addressing issues as Survivors sometimes works best with a number of family and friends meeting together, in a time-limited group setting called Suicide Postvention. If any of this is affecting you, please know you don't have to shoulder your burdens alone.  I have addressed such difficulties with many people in 38 years of providing psychotherapy.  I invite you to call and see if my approach might be the new perspective you are seeking. The American Association of Suicidology  is dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide. They may be able to provide help for you or your loved one through additional information on treatment of suicidality, prevention of suicide, and support for suicide survivors (those left behind after a completed suicide).