PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Clare Luz
TI  - Family Medicine: Bridge to Life
AID  - 10.3122/jabfm.2016.01.150065
DP  - 2016 Jan 01
TA  - The Journal of the American Board of Family
                Medicine
PG  - 161--164
VI  - 29
IP  - 1
4099  - http://www.jabfm.org/content/29/1/161.short
4100  - http://www.jabfm.org/content/29/1/161.full
SO  - J Am Board Fam Med2016 Jan 01; 29
AB  - 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.