Active Suicide Ideation vs. Passive Suicide Ideation
Ending one’s life is a terrible problem that may start with just an idea that turns into thoughts with dreadful momentum. The statistics of suicide show that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and with over 44,000 people taking their own life yearly and an average of 121 deaths daily. An even more thought-provoking statistic is that a person will attempt suicide 25 times before they succeed.
Figuring out what gets a person to the brink of suicide may begin with their genetic, physical, and environmental factors. Suicide ideation can rear its ugly head in people with mental illness, in people with abnormal brain function, or with people who take one hard knock after another with personal adversity. Any number of these things can take an individual’s thought process to believe that the world would be a better place without them in it.
Two categories can be found for suicide – active suicide ideation and passive suicide ideation. Although passive suicide ideation may be under the misconception that it is not as serious as active suicide ideation, it is. Both are high-risk situations that have the same goal to terminate a person’s life. Suicide should not be taken lightly in any capacity, especially with the minutiae of definition.
- Passive suicide ideation involves a desire to die, but there is no actual plan to carry it out. An individual typically thinks they should no longer live because they deserve punishment for reasons stemming from the negativity that surrounds their life. If they could choose, they would prefer to die in their sleep, from cancer, or a car accident, but the most important aspect is that they want to die.
- Active suicide ideation means not only will a person say that they wish to die, but they will also talk about the means in which they plan on doing it. A person may write out a suicide note or begin giving away all their belongings to start the final stages of ending their life.
Suicide is a situation that affects our society tremendously and while there is no single source, there is a negative impact for the survivors and the family of the victim that should not have to be experienced in the first place.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at: 1-800-273-8255
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Text 741-741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis
If you, or someone you know, has a problem with drugs and alcohol, call Serenity Oaks Wellness Center to get them the help they need. Our program focuses on the clinical and medical aspects of treatment. Our staff is awaiting your call to assist you in starting the life you were meant to live. Call us today: 844-720-6847
