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.