I read some of these posts and think, "I've been there, and am still there." I don't view suicide as some illness that will never go away, but rather as a crisis that many adults (and adolescents) have to deal with sometime in their life. If resolved, many will look backwards as a way of looking forwards: they now know more about themselves, about their friends, discovering personal strengths and character from something they used to avoid in life.
WD'ing from methadone cold turkey, I thought I was going to die and many times looked at my stash of pills. "How easy," I thought. I could have used a doc at that time to help me out. I found other ways - I hooked up with some old friends, talked things out. I told them what I was going through, that I was unhappy. Just talking helped out 100%. I knew suicide was not the out. Sometimes you have to search your heart - it can be difficult, especially for those of us who are going through wd hell, but you are your own best friend, in the end.
I believe that the number one problem in treating depression/suicidal behavior is that it is largely ignored by professionals. Either they do not take the issue of suicide seriously enough, or they believe it is relegated only to a minority who cannot or do not want help. This does not mean resources are not available to you. If you can't find a psychiatrist who will talk about it with you, a counselor, therapist, social worker, or close friend can help. Talking out your problems is one of the best ways to solve them - you just need to find the right person for the task. For those contemplating suicide, just remember that many of us here on this board, and many people from all walks of life, have been through the same situation. It may seem like there is no way out of whatever situation you are in, but you are not alone. If anyone has any questions, just pm me.