Do you think some people act suicidal and depressed for attention?

The simple answer is you don't know. I used to work as a volunteer working with people who were in a life crises and said they wanted to end it all. I've spoken to and met men and woman across all walks of life with depression. Often they're ashamed at how they feel, often feel guilty, often so deep into their own self doubts and lack of esteem they really see no other way of dealing with things.

The biggest by far suicide victims are males between 15 and 35, though that last figure is rising. Para suicides (people who go through the motions but expect to be stopped or found before death) are mainly females.

Depression cannot be seen, it has no smell, no taste nor flavour. It can effect anyone and often when we least expect it. It isn't really understood, even by those who suffer with it. It isn't like a broken arm or a stomach bug that can be fixed or cleaned out but it's just as painful, and just as personal.

Before dismissing someone you should consider this: What if it was your brother, sister, husband, wife, mother, father, child?

Just over twenty years ago I worked with a guy who hanged himself. Long story short his wife walked out on him and he simply couldn't cope at the prospect. He was in his mid 30's. The by far most heartbreaking thing for those who worked with him was that he also left his five year old daughter. Even now it upsets me to think she's now about 26 and probably can't remember him.

All I ask is next time someone looks like they're at the absolute end of their tether and can't cope; They're probably not kidding around and you should at least ask how they feel...[b]NEVER EVER[/b] say "I know how you feel". You don't. You never will, don't even pretend, any more than they can know how you feel.