Suicide is usually a hidden, lonely act frequently chosen by people who are ill. Irrational or psychotic suicides are comparatively rare. Attitudes to suicide are changing, with a growing public understanding about its causes and effects. This volume explores the subject of suicide from the perspective of a psychiatrist who is a founder of the Suicide Research Foundation. Michael J. Kelleher explains some of the reasons why people choose to take their own lives, with a full chapter on the problems of teenage stress and suicide. He explores the effects on, and responses of relatives of those who commit suicide, and outlines the kind of help which can be given to the suicidal. The morality of suicide, assisted suicide and euthanasia is also considered. Finally, the author devotes a chapter to the suicide of Pat Tierney. All royalties are to be donated to the Suicide Research Foundation.