Conclusions As the suicidal process unfolds, significant others are
faced with a highly complex task. Their proximity to the suicidal person
and their emotional investment in the relationship make it difficult for
them to see what is happening, to say anything to the person or to other
members of the network, or to seek help outside the network. Efforts to
strengthen the capacity of lay people to play a role in preventing suicide
are urgently needed and should be informed by a thorough understanding
of these difficulties. They should highlight the ambiguous nature of
warning signs and should focus on helping people to acknowledge and
overcome their fears about intervening