The correct answer is - They are making a cry for help.
People who threaten suicide are in need of help and support and they don't always know how to find that help, who they can trust or turn to or what to do. If someone mentions they are suicidal then alarm bells should ring and you should help them. They need the help.
Philip is in an abusive relationship because they should learn to trust each other in toughest times. If you or your partner won't let you do something you want to do then its not a healthy relationship.