Passive Vs. Active Suicidal Thoughts

All suicidal thoughts are equal, right? After all, when we talk about suicide (on the news, in the movies, on television, from educators) we’re talking about the thoughts of wanting to end one’s life which is a problem, yes?

Actually, no. Not all suicidal thoughts are equal, nor do they always mean the same thing to all people. Let’s dive in a little and tease out the difference between some of these thoughts.

Suicidal Thoughts Are More Common Than You Think

One of the myths around suicide is that only certain people will have them: the mentally ill, those who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and veterans. According to the American Association of Suicidology, 4.10% of adults 18 years and older in the state of California seriously considered suicide. From the many individuals who have attempted to die by suicide, there are many more who have thought about ending their life. Let’s look at what it might mean to be thinking of suicide.

Active Suicidal Ideation

Active suicidal thoughts indicate that someone is actively thinking about suicide. This means that the individual is coming up with plans with how they are wanting to attempt, where, when, figuring out how to get the means to make it work, and playing around with the idea of intent. This type of suicidal thought is a red flag in clinical settings because this individual is at a higher risk of dying by suicide. They are in active pain and are trying to find a way to end it.

Someone with active suicidal ideation may or may not need to go to the hospital, but it will depend on their support systems, their willingness to maintain safety, and the severity of the crisis.

Passive Suicidal Ideation

Unlike the active suicidal thought, passive suicidal thoughts can range from popping up every once in a while to being present chronically. The thought can range in intensity as well. But generally speaking, these thoughts do not have any urgency to act on them. There is no active planning on how to follow through with the thoughts. They are just thoughts.

For example, waking up in the morning and wishing that you weren’t awake is a form of passive suicidal thought. It might not be the most distressing thought, but it can be an indicator that you don’t want to wake up, you’re overwhelmed, or experiencing burnout.

It might pop up throughout the day, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you want to act on the thought.

Or it can sneak its way into your thoughts and it can feel intense, but goes away.

Passive suicidal thoughts may require treatment (therapy or counseling of your choice), especially if you’re noticing them frequently or it is becoming distressing to you. Or, it may not require any type of intervention if you know how to manage the thoughts and you’re living your life the way you want and need.

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