This document presents information on suicide intended for a general audience who want to understand and prevent suicide. The history of suicide in ancient cultures and its incidence in industrialized countries is discussed first. Especially concerned people, i.e, survivors, families at risk, individuals at risk, and caregivers, are defined. Characteristics of people who commit suicide are described, including those of the elderly, adolescents and young adults, children, males, females, blacks, marrieds, and singles. These reasons for suicide are discussed: depression, hopelessness, alcoholism, and schizophrenia. Familial influence and biochemical clues in theories of suicide are discussed. While it is noted that suicide, like much of human behavior, is difficult to predict, suicide's warning signs are described. These include previous suicide attempts, suicide talk, making arrangements, personality or behavior change, and clinical depression. Appropriate responses to potential suicide are described. Treatments for mood disturbances are discussed, including psychotherapy, drug therapy, hospitalization, and electroconvulsive therapy. Prevention methods, including federal and state initiatives, private and volunteer initiatives, minimizing the means for self-destruction, and suicide prevention centers and hotlines, are described. The report concludes that it is everyone's responsibility to help try to prevent suicide. Lists of organizations, further reading, and where to find help are provided. (ABL)