Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts, considerations, or preoccupations with ending one’s own life, ranging from fleeting, passive thoughts (e.g., wishing not to wake up) to active, specific thoughts involving intent, planning, or means. It is a clinically significant symptom rather than a diagnosis, commonly assessed along dimensions of frequency, duration, controllability, and the presence of plan or intent.

Suicidal ideation occurs across a wide range of psychiatric conditions and may also arise in the context of acute stress, chronic illness, or psychosocial adversity, and is considered an important indicator of suicide risk and a target for clinical assessment, safety planning, and intervention.

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is available. In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 (988lifeline.org). Outside the U.S., a directory of international crisis lines is available at findahelpline.com.