Ivan, "But what are the crisis signals???". If that is your question I would be happy to share my thoughts on what I would look for with someone who may be thinking of suicide. As a person and as a clinical social worker I've been down that road on occassion. Typically I would look for: - A personal history of ideation and previous activity/ attempts usually beginning with the less lethal to the more lethal - A family history - recent losses including employment, family, sense of humor, health, sense of community and the like - A persistant, unyielding depression which seems to overwhelm even the best of therapists and medications -An unexplained change in routine, striking mood shifts, unusual, perhaps odd behavior -A lack of interest in food, sex, and other once enjoyable activity -An unwillingness to agree to state that they will remain safe -And my personal favorite--There is no anger available -After a period of struggle a calmness appears- A decision has been reached. I'm big on self determination which seems, some times, at odds with my profession but when I see my job as helping people make the best decision for THEM then there is little internal conflict for me. I think the vast majority of PWP have thought about suicide and that is normal from where I view the world. Indeed life is "precious". I'll grant you that but not so "precarious". We have choices to make, and with good people around us to offer an ear, a bit of compassion, a lot of reality and a bit of humor, most of us will do just fine. One other thought. You certainly have a strange idea about who is powerful; " social workers and family crisis workers and religious leaders." I don't know about the latter but the only power I have as a social worker is the power granted me by my clients and the little bit I "borrowed from the system " All in all I wish you hadn't reposted that story but it is your right to do what you please. See what I mean by choices? george