What is suicidal ideation? 5 signs to look for and how to find help

Suicidal ideation is thinking about ending one’s life. Having an occasional suicidal thought does not mean that the person will act on it, but warning signs should never be ignored. In 2023, 12.8 million adults in the U.S. seriously thought about suicide, and 49,000 people died by suicide. These statistics highlight how common these thoughts can be and how seriously they should be taken.

Whether you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, support is available. At Psychiatry Treatment Centers, we offer psychotherapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy and Spravato® to help people who are dealing with suicidal ideation. We work with people to manage distressing thoughts, learn effective coping strategies and reduce the risk of suicide. Friends, family and trained professionals can play a part in noticing warning signs and providing support.

Keep reading to learn about suicidal ideation, five signs to look for, and how to find help for yourself or someone you care about.

What is suicidal ideation?

*trigger warning

Suicidal ideation is thinking about ending your own life. These thoughts can range from a fleeting idea to a detailed plan. It’s possible to have suicidal ideation with or without depression. Having suicidal thoughts does not mean you will act on them, but warning signs should always be taken seriously. Recognizing whether suicidal ideation is active or passive can help you understand the level of risk.

1. Passive suicidal ideation

Passive suicidal ideation is thinking about ending your life without having a plan to act on it. You may have thoughts about death or wish that you won’t wake up in the morning. Even if a person doesn’t have plans to take their life, passive thoughts can be a sign of distress or hopelessness. Reaching out for support may prevent these passive thoughts from getting worse or turning into active suicidal ideation.

2. Active suicidal ideation

Active suicidal ideation is thinking about ending your life with the intention to act on it. With this type of ideation, people come up with a plan to take their life, including the method and timing. People with active suicidal ideation may express a desire to end their life. This type of suicidal ideation requires emergency attention because it carries a higher risk of self-harm or death. 

5 signs to look for 

When you’re able to identify the warning signs of suicidal ideation, you can help yourself or a loved one find support. If you see any of these indicators, or anything that causes you concern, reaching out for assistance can save a life:

1. Talking about death or wanting to die

Saying, “Everyone would be better off without me,” or “I just want it all to end” could indicate suicidal ideation. These thoughts or statements could be direct or subtle, but they should always be taken seriously. Someone with suicidal ideation may talk or write about death. Even if suicide is expressed in a way that seems passive, fleeting or out of frustration, it could be a sign someone needs help. 

2. Withdrawal and isolation

People with suicidal ideation may avoid friends, family or their favorite activities. They may also skip school or work and spend more time by themselves. Self-isolating can worsen feelings of hopelessness and make a person feel more disconnected from others. Many people spend more time alone because they think they’re a burden or afraid nobody will understand them. 

3. Extreme mood changes

Suddenly becoming sad, angry or irritable even after being calm could signal distress. These quick mood shifts could be caused by suicidal ideation because intense emotions could indicate an internal struggle. They may reflect distress, hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm.

4. Giving away possessions and saying goodbye

This is a sign that someone may be planning to take their life. Giving away important belongings, writing letters and saying goodbye may indicate someone’s final actions. These are typically strong signals of active suicidal ideation and should be treated as an emergency.

5. Increased risk-taking or substance use

Sometimes substance use and impulsive behaviors go hand in hand, and each can worsen the other. Suicidal ideation can lead to reckless actions, whereas substance use may cause suicidal thinking. High-risk behaviors could be masking these thoughts. 

How to find help

If you’re scared or overwhelmed by suicidal thoughts, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to get help immediately. Trained counselors are always available to listen with empathy, provide support and guide you toward the next steps to stay safe. 

You can also reach out to a friend, family member or counselor. Getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it can be life-saving. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and support is always available. 

If you think a loved one may be considering ending their life, listen to them without judgment and remind them that they’re not alone. You can encourage them to seek professional help and recommend resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.

Find expert support for suicidal ideation at Psychiatry Treatment Centers

Whether you’re experiencing suicidal ideation or see warning signs in a loved one, you should reach out for help. At Psychiatry Treatment Centers, our team provides compassionate care and outpatient mental health treatments designed to manage non-emergent suicidal ideation. We offer a wide range of options, including psychotherapy, TMS therapy and Spravato®. Our experts can personalize a treatment plan to help ease suicidal ideation. 

You and your loved ones aren’t alone. 

Reach out to our team by phone today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment. You can also book your initial appointment online now.