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The natural end of every human life is death. Some people, for reasons that have never been fully understood, choose to end their own lives. This act is called suicide, which means literally "self-killing." The English physician and writer Sir Thomas Browne once commented: "Not to be content with life is the unsatisfactory state of those who destroy themselves." For all the uncertainty that has surrounded the phenomenon of suicide, his assessment of the problem …

…th century. After the French Revolution (1789) criminal penalties for attempting suicide were abolished in European countries. Great Britain was the last to abolish its penalties, in 1961. Prevention of suicide has proved difficult unless an individual demonstrates warning signs. Early recognition and treatment of mental disorders are possible deterrents. Since the 1950s suicide-prevention centers have been set up in many countries. They maintain telephone hot lines that desperate or lonely individuals may use to get help