Suicide is usually perceived as an urgent crisis when people talk about it or think about it. There is no one-size-fits-all model for suicidal thoughts. Instead, it’s a spectrum. Some may need immediate intervention, while others might not care about living but are not at a critical risk.
All those struggling need help, though the kind of help might differ. Trevor Project’s public training manager, Keygan Miller, explained that suicide ideation is broad. Death or suicide can be the subject of thoughts, preoccupations, or wishes. Passive and active suicidal ideation are well-known categories.
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According to Robert Johnson, a licensed professional counselor at The Dorm, a mental health facility for young adults, active ideation is closer to the crisis point when it comes to suicide. Passive ideation captures a vast spectrum of thoughts people often oscillate between. This is more common than you think. Talk to a mental health expert if you’re struggling.
Passive Suicidal Ideation Is Vague
Actively suicidal people typically have a plan or method in mind. It can come on slowly or suddenly. Passive ideation is broader. There may be thoughts of self-harm for some. However, passive ideation focuses more on losing the will to live rather than dying. Miller said most people don’t think of addressing passive thoughts but should.
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Some Are At A Higher Risk
Based on Miller’s estimate, 12.2 million Americans seriously contemplated suicide in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 3.2 million planned suicide attempts that same year, and approximately 1.2 million attempted suicide.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-24. People of color, veterans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, and Blacks are at risk too. These groups face higher suicide risk factors. Young LGBTQ people are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers, Miller said.