Possible causes for adolescent suicide and its increase are reviewed, and suggestions are offered to educators and therapists for using poetry writing and visual arts to reach potential young suicide victims. At a developmental age when they become cognitively able to employ abstract concepts, adolescents find poetry writing a safe way to clarify their thoughts and feelings without risking ridicule. The use of metaphor in poetry, as well as visual symbols in art activities, provide adolescents with safe ways to communicate, facilitating self-expression, reducing feelings of isolation, and building self-esteem. Examples of therapeutic art- and poetry-related interventions are given, and integrating arts experiences in academic settings is advocated. (JW)