Suicidal ideation

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Suicidal ideation means thinking about suicide. It can range from brief, passing thoughts to plans for how to die. It’s not a mental health diagnosis, but it can be a symptom of mental illness, the effects of drugs, or stressful life events.

Types
- Passive ideation: thoughts like “I don’t want to live” or feeling dead.
- Active ideation: thinking about how to end your life or making a plan.

Who is at risk
- Suicidal thoughts can happen with depression and other mood disorders, but they can occur with many conditions and life situations.
- Risk is higher with certain mental illnesses, substance use, and difficult life events (like relationship problems, abuse, or serious illness).
- Some groups have higher risk, including LGBT youth, and adolescents and young adults who feel rejected or bullied, or who have family stress.

What the numbers show (a quick view)
- Millions of adults in the U.S. have had suicidal thoughts at some point.
- Some people go from thinking about suicide to making plans or attempting it. These are warning signs that require urgent help.

Treatment and help
- Help is available. Treatments can include therapy, hospitalization if needed, outpatient care, and medications.
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy) helps people understand feelings and learn skills to manage them.
- Medications like antidepressants can help many people, though they can be different for each person. In rare cases, they may raise thoughts of suicide, so doctors monitor closely.
- Some people may use emergency treatment or a short hospital stay to stay safe.
- Family and social support, safety planning, and not using alcohol or drugs can also help.

Important notes
- Suicidal thoughts can be a sign of an underlying problem, but with care and treatment, most people feel better over time.
- Early detection and seeking help are the best ways to prevent a suicide attempt.
- If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call emergency services or a crisis line right away.

If you’re worried about yourself or someone else, reach out to a trusted person or a mental health professional. You don’t have to face this alone. There is help and there is hope.