When we want to understand a problem, it is essential to be able to define it, to have basic concepts that allow us to understand its scope and how it relates to other behaviors. In the case of suicidal behavior, this need is especially important, since even today there is no internationally agreed-upon definition.

We know we are dealing with suicidal behavior when a person exhibits some degree of intent to end their own life . This intention to end one's own life is the unique element that allows us to identify suicidal behavior; therefore, it must be established as the objective of all interventions , whether clinical, involving family or social support, formal or informal. This intention to end one's own life evolves in a gradual process, from lesser to greater severity, encompassing five elements :

• Suicidal ideation.
• Threats.
• Suicidal gestures.
• Suicide attempts.
• Death by suicide.