Suicidal thoughts are when a person considers taking their own life. Although there is no medical definition of “suicidal ideation” that is universally accepted.
Suicidal ideation, according to some, entails actively planning suicide, although suicidal thoughts do not always imply a person intends to terminate their life.
Others, on the other hand, regard planning to be an entirely separate thing and hold the view that suicidal ideas and ideation are interchangeable.
Suicidal ideation is widespread. In the US as a whole in 2020, twelve million individuals reported seriously considering suicide. Approximately 10 percent of individuals tried suicide. Suicide, however, is preventable with help and treatment.
Some suicidal individuals do not wish to die. They want to be free of the extreme emotional agony and distress they are experiencing. Suicidal ideas are serious. However, thoughts do not have to be followed by acts.
Suicidal thoughts affect everyone differently. Some people will find the suggestions above useful, while others may find them difficult to relate to. If these suggestions do not work for you, that does not mean you cannot be helped. You could just require a more personalized approach. Speak with a therapist or other mental health professional. They are able to assist you.
Active suicidal thoughts are thoughts or plans to commit suicide that are clear and precise. Suicidal ideas, on the other hand, can assume a more ambiguous, or passive, form. Constant thoughts of suicide and death, whether passive or active, may result in you feeling exhausted, despondent, and confused where to turn for help.
Furthermore, talking about these feelings can be difficult. For one thing, you might not know where to begin sharing them with others. These thoughts can occur even if you do not have depression or any mental health diagnosis. Suicidal thoughts are frequently the result of suffering more sorrow and anguish than you are capable of handling.
It’s natural to desire to end your suffering and sorrow, and suicidal thoughts may arise if you can’t see a way out of your predicament. You do, however, have options for receiving help with dealing with unwanted thoughts.
To begin, understand that suicide thoughts can affect anyone. These are not signs of a weakness, defect, or personal failure. They’re also nothing to be ashamed of, regardless of your situation.
Feelings of anguish and despair may not improve instantly, and dealing with thoughts of suicide can take patience as well as expert assistance. Making the initial actions toward regulating these thoughts, on the other hand, can help you gain enough distance to reclaim some optimism and investigate more long-term sources of relief.
Again, suicidal thoughts don’t always imply a deliberate plan to die. You might imagine that you were dead or you may have frequent thoughts about death, even though you have no motive for trying suicide.
Even when life’s problems and unpleasant events seem overwhelming, remembering that you are not alone can help. Opening up about your feelings may not change how you feel or totally eliminate those ideas, but sharing them with someone you love or counselor may make it less difficult to obtain the correct kind of help.
However, not everyone who has these conditions will consider suicide. Suicidal thoughts might occur even if there is no underlying mental health disorder. According to CDC figures from 2018, 54 percent of those who committed suicide did not have a known mental health problem.
Suicidal thoughts are more likely if you have a family connection to mental health problems, suicidal thoughts, or suicide.
Although studies are still in early stages, experts believe that some genes may have a role in suicide thoughts and behavior.
Researchers discovered in a limited 2020 study that kids who grew up with adults in their lives who attempted suicide experienced greater anxiety in life and had more difficulties controlling emotions. Both of these characteristics can lead to suicidal ideation or behavior later in life.
For more help, you may include this resource: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/