Patients were asked to explain why they had attempted suicide, by spontaneous description and by the use of lists of problems and motives presented to them. They were also asked what help they would have accepted before the event, and what the consequences of the suicide attempt were. The main motive for attempting suicide mentioned was an acute and unbearable state of mind. Interpersonal (manipulative) motives were of much less importance to the patients. In contrast, the problems which patients thought had an influence on what they had done were mainly interpersonal problems and, to a lesser degree, health problems. Especially younger individuals saw interpersonal difficulties as the main problems. Many patients reported that in the suicidal crisis they would not have been prepared to accept help. Most felt the suicide attempt had positive consequences for them.