ABSTRACT
Of all the adolescents we see, no group seems to be saying 'Don't help me' as loudly and clearly as suicidal young people. Some adolescents are sent to the Brent Adolescent Centre by doctors; others bring themselves. Some have made a suicide attempt; others have not, but may have it in mind for the future, even though they may never refer to it. A suicidal act can, and often does, end a life. The adolescent's guilt and concern for the suffering his suicide will cause to his parents often seems totally lacking. If someone is determined to kill himself, nobody will be unable to prevent it; the secrecy of a suicidal plan increases its potency as a weapon to be used against our help. Suicide is always a sign of serious pathology; the suicidal act takes place during a transitory psychotic episode. Whether or not the outcome is physically serious, suicide is an attack on the person's own body.
