Suicide presents a real and often tragic enigma for the family and friends of someone who has committed or attempted suicide. "Why did they do this?" "How could they do it?" "Why didn't they see that help was available?" For therapists and clinical psychologists who want to help the vulnerable and their families, there are also enigmas that often appear unsolvable. What causes someone to end their life or harm themselves: is it due to their personality, the biology of their genes, or social conditions? What is the best insight that can shed light on the thoughts and behavior of a suicidal person? Each type of explanation, if examined in isolation, has its drawbacks, so we must see how these can be combined to provide a more comprehensive picture. "Cry of Pain" examines the evidence from a social, psychological, and biological perspective to see if there are common characteristics that could shed light on suicide. Informative and sympathetically written, it is essential reading for therapists and mental health professionals, as well as for those struggling with suicidal thoughts, their families, and friends.