11 Minutes
Table of Contents
A person with suicidal thoughts will think about taking their own life. In the medical world, there is no generally recognized definition of the term “suicidal ideation.” So what does suicidal ideation mean? Some individuals believe that suicidal ideation entails actively planning suicide, although suicidal ideation would not always imply that a person intends to take his or her own life.
Others, however, see planning a suicide as a distinct entity and claim that suicidal ideation and thoughts are the same. Suicidal ideation is prevalent. In the year 2020, 12.2 million Americans reported having serious suicidal thoughts. Approximately 10 percent had attempted suicide. With assistance and treatment, however, suicide can be prevented.


This article explores suicidal thoughts, including their signs, causes, susceptible groups, and predisposing factors for suicidal ideation.
Resource References:
- What is suicidal ideation? Verywell Mind. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/suicidal-ideation-380609.
- Suicide and suicidal thoughts (2022) Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/suicide/symptoms-causes/syc-20378048.
- Suicide ideation: Symptoms, causes, prevention, and resources. Medical News Today. MediLexicon International. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/193026#getting-help.
- What are suicidal feelings? Mind. Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/about-suicidal-feelings.
- Suicidal ideation (2022) Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicidal_ideation.