Is seeking any attention, and possibly help, a bad thing? When simply 'asking' for help falls on deaf ears, what can someone do when they're in so much pain?
theres is a big leap from _asking for help_ and trying to end your life.
For those of sound judgement yes it is a big leap, but those whose judgement is impaired, or for whom there is too much pain, for those whose depression is such that merely
asking for help is too painful, non-lethal
attempts at suicide are often the only seemingly viable course of action.
I can say when I've done that I'm not thinking to myself "Now they'll listen.", nor did I really think that I wanted to die. It's a pain vs coping mechanisms equation.
its very all-or-nothing with a lot of people
Indeed, often a symptom of people's mental health issues. For example, those with Borderline Personality Disorder (a condition that sees A LOT of "cries for attention" type suicidal gestures), black and white thinking pervades their judgement. So for them it literally can be all or nothing.
/not an expert, just personally familiar