title: Family Medicine: Bridge to Life.
abstract: Reflecting on the suicide of a close friend, this essay explores what comprises, and inspires a will to live, and how those in Family Medicine can address suicide risk even in the face of debilitating or terminal illness. Research indicates that the will to live is a measurable indicator of general well-being, distinct from depression, and an important predictor of a person's motivation to "hold on to life". As such, understanding what is at the heart of a desire to live should alter clinical practice. This essay offers ideas for ways in which to create bridges for patients that could help sustain life.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing. luz@msu.edu.
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Luz
mesh_terms: D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D065026:Hope; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention
keywords: Depression; Doctor–Patient Relations; Mental Health; Physicians; Quality of Health Care; Suicide