What is it, why does it happen, and what signs should I be looking out for? We share everything you need to know about passive #suicidalideation
Passive #suicidalideation is something that many of us experience, but few seriously talk about. Perhaps the thought has crossed your mind, “I wish I could just fall asleep and not wake up,” or “I wish I could die, so I don’t have to deal with this.” These are examples of passive #suicidalideation and, while they are not active plans, and often focus on ways in which someone may die rather than actively cause their own death (such as thoughts of death through an accident or natural causes, rather than #suicide), these thoughts can be not only worrying, but can lead to engaging in riskier #behavior without being conscious of it.
#Suicidalideation isn’t an isolated event – it can be a symptom of other #mentalhealthissues, such as severe #depression, or manic #depression for those with a #bipolardisorder diagnosis. Here, we’ll explain more about the different types of #suicidalideation, warning signs to look out for, and, crucially, how to then find help.
What’s the difference between passive and active #suicidalideation?
Having #suicidalthoughts is a spectrum. For some people, these thoughts may be active: they think about #suicide, and may have developed a plan for what they will do. They want to die. For others, it may be passive: they wish they were dead or could die, but do not have any concrete plans.
Neither kind of #suicidalideation should be dismissed. You are still at risk of harm if you have passive #suicidalthoughts.
Intent and motivation can change quickly, meaning you may not feel at risk now, but that could change before you realise it or have time to seek help. Studies have suggested that if you experience high levels of #depression and suicidality, thoughts of passive and active ideation have the potential to become more severe and dangerous. Experiencing physical illness, a significant decline in your #mentalhealth, or an unpredictable event (losing your job, a particularly bad day, fighting with a loved one) could trigger your thoughts to become active.
#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
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How many people experience passive #suicidalideation?
Passive #suicidalthoughts are more common than many of us realise. Worldwide, around 9% of us will experience suicidal ideation at some point in our lives. Within the past 12 months, that sat at around 2%. One US study found that 4% of #adults aged 18 and over have thought about #suicide, with those aged 18–25 the most likely to have had such thoughts within the past 12 months.
As of 2020, around 10 in every 100,000 deaths were contributed to #suicide in England. For #men, that rate was much higher (15.3 per 100,000) compared to #women (4.9 per 100,000). #Men aged 45–49 have the highest #suicide rate (23.8 per 100,000). Worldwide, the #WorldHealthOrganization estimates that one in every 100 deaths is a result of #suicide.
All this to say, #suicide is something that has touched many lives, and it’s something that we need to take seriously.
Are some people at more risk than others?
While #men are three times more likely to complete #suicide, research suggests that #women show higher rates of #suicidal thinking, non-fatal #suicidalbehavior, and #suicideattempts.
You may be at higher risk for #suicidalideations if:
- You have a personal history of #mentalillness (particularly #depression, #bipolardisorder, or other mood-based disorders).
- There is a family history of #mentalillness (#suicidalthoughts or attempts, #depression).
- You have experienced substance addiction.
- You have a history of abuse, or have experienced significant #trauma.
- You exhibit impulsive #behaviors or increased aggression.
- You have a physical illness.
- You have experienced a major loss (death of a close friend or family member).
- You have limited access to healthcare or a support network.
Could I be suicidal and not realise it?
Sometimes people can struggle to recognise warning signs of #suicidalthoughts or #behaviors. Signs that people often overlook can include:
- Feelings of being empty, hopeless, or like you have no way out of your problems.
- Strong feelings of guilt or shame.
- Believing that others would be better off without you.
- Becoming withdrawn or isolated socially.
- Unexplained changes in how you sleep (e.g. struggling to get out of bed, sleeping more, sleeping less, staying up all night then struggling to cope the next day).
- Becoming emotionally distant from others (e.g. seeming indifferent when faced with emotional situations like the loss of a pet, or when receiving particularly good or bad news).
Do passive #suicidalthoughts need to be treated?
Seeking help and advice is recommended. Speaking with your GP can be the first step towards getting a full assessment and diagnosis. This can help you to access the right kind of help and support, better understand what may have led to you feeling this way, and find new ways of coping with these feelings, and addressing any triggers.
Experiencing any level of desire for death can lead you to unconsciously act in a way that may be riskier to your health and wellbeing. Even when passive #suicidalthoughts remain passive, they suggest a level of unhappiness and discontent in your life, and risk negatively impacting your overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Reaching out for help is the first step to overcoming these thoughts and feelings. You don’t have to live with these thoughts, and you also don’t have to face them alone.
How do you overcome passive #suicidalideation?
There are a number of options that may be recommended, depending on your circumstances, symptoms, and what services are available in your local area.
Speak with your GP
Talking with your GP is often the first step towards getting a referral for specialist #mentalhealthservices in your area, as well as talking through any medication options that may be worth considering. They may highlight local support groups you could access.
Medication
For some people, your GP may prescribe antidepressants or anti-#anxiety medication to help decrease symptoms while you are working through the underlying causes that are triggering your thoughts in therapy.
Talking therapy
Counselling (therapy) is often highly recommended, as this can help you to identify the complex issues that may be causing the way you are feeling, help you to understand your thoughts and feelings better, as well as introduce you to new ways to manage your thoughts in a more productive or useful way.
#Dialecticalbehaviortherapy (#DBT) in particular can be helpful for those experiencing #suicidalthoughts, as it uses acceptance and change techniques that can help you better understand why you’re feeling this way, and what you can do to help yourself. Other types of therapy may also be suggested, such as #cognitivebehavioraltherapy (#CBT).
Peer support
Talking with others who have had similar experiences can be a huge help. Reaching out to find online support networks can be the easiest way of doing this, or there may be support groups in your area.
Create a safety plan
Typically suggested for when you have active #suicidalthoughts, it can be helpful to have one in place just in case. A safety plan may include listing any warning signs you or others can look out for, writing down coping strategies that could help, as well as listing the contact details for who you want to be contacted in the case of an emergency. Ensuring you know the steps you need to take to keep yourself safe can help you to feel more prepared if your thoughts do take a concerning turn.
Speak with your loved ones
Talking to your friends and family can help you to better understand how you are feeling, as well as to let them know that you are struggling. If you are worried that your thoughts or feelings may have been causing you to withdraw from others, this can be a helpful way to reach back out again to them.
What can I do if a loved one is experiencing passive #suicidalideations?
If you’re worried about someone, one of the most important things you can do is listen to them, without accidental judgement, or minimising how they are feeling – ask questions, and ensure they know that you are there to offer support.
Don’t promise to keep their #suicidalideation a secret. Doing so can not only harm their trust in others if you do need to speak out and seek help on their behalf, but it may also make you hesitate. Encourage them to seek help, but avoid pushing them before they are ready. Offer to drive them or go with them if they feel worried about going alone.
If you are concerned about their immediate safety, call 999 or take them directly to A&E.
If you are worried about your immediate safety, go to the nearest A&E department, call 999 if you can’t get to a hospital, or ask someone to call 999 or take you to the hospital.
If you just want to talk to someone or feel like A&E isn’t an option, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 and someone will be there to listen without judgement, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
To find out more about the signs and symptoms of #suicidalthoughts, how they can make you feel, and how you can access help, visit Counselling Directory or speak to a qualified #counsellor.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
