An undeniable fact of life is the potential risk of suicide. It is an ubiquitous phenomenon and touches every family practice at some time. Evidence indicates that the physician is in the forefront of recognition and management of this alarming and distressing problem. It behooves him to be familiar with high risk indicators and criteria of intervention. Not thinking about it will not prevent it. His own anxiety and denial should not prove an obstacle in the recognition and effective disposition of patients manifesting suicidal symptoms.