What is suicide ideation?

Suicide ideation means having thoughts about ending your own life. These thoughts can be brief or more detailed, but support is available and things can get better.

Understanding suicide ideation

Suicide ideation, sometimes called suicidal thoughts, is when someone thinks about taking their own life. These thoughts can range from passing ideas to more detailed plans. It’s important to remember that having these thoughts does not mean you will act on them, and you are not alone in feeling this way.

Why do people experience suicide ideation?

Many people experience suicide ideation at some point in their lives. It can be triggered by difficult life events, mental health conditions, or feeling overwhelmed by emotional pain. These feelings can be intense, but they are usually temporary.

Suicidal thoughts don’t stem from wanting to hurt others or seeking attention. For me, they come from a place of deep emotional agony, a feeling of being utterly worthless, hopeless and exhausted from carrying my struggles alone.

Jen Jen

How to get support

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, talking to someone you trust can help. You might want to speak to a friend, family member, or a mental health professional.

Visit our how to cope with suicidal thoughts for more information.

You can also find practical advice on how to support someone with suicidal thoughts here.