Suicide is one of the top causes of death, with over 48,000 people dying in 2021, according to the NIMH. This does not account for the numerous attempts, which were 660,000, as reported by the CDC. Suicide is often preceded by suicidal ideation, which is when someone considers, thinks about, or plans to commit suicide. However, there are two different types of suicidal ideation: active and passive.
Active suicidal ideation is when the individual is actively planning or considering taking their life. Passive suicidal ideation is when the person believes they would be better off dead, but they have no active plans to actually carry out suicide. Regardless of the type of suicidal ideation, if you or someone you care about wishes they were dead, it is important to get help immediately from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by visiting their website or calling 988 from your smartphone.
In the following sections, we will provide further information, support options, and resources for anyone experiencing passive suicidal thoughts and their loved ones.
Understanding Passive Suicidal Ideation
Passive suicidal ideation is the desire to die but without any intention to commit self-harm. People experiencing passive suicidal ideation will have different thoughts, such as:
- They imagine what it would be like if they were no longer around
- They imagine going to sleep and not waking up
- They fantasize about being in a serious accident and dying
- Wishing they would get a chronic illness that leads to death, like cancer
- Thinking about wanting to be assaulted and killed
No matter what thoughts someone has, they should be taken seriously and not ignored.
Causes and Risk Factors
There are various causes and risk factors associated with passive suicidal ideation, as with active suicidal ideation, including:
- Mental health disorders: Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and PTSD can all lead to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts.
- Life events and trauma: Experiencing a traumatic event, like the loss of a loved one, being physically or sexually assaulted, or facing stressful situations, like financial difficulties or relationship problems, are all risk factors for suicidal ideation.
- Substance use disorders: Alcohol and drug addictions can cause a person to lose all control over their life. They could reach the point where they want to stop drinking or using drugs and could start thinking about self-harm and suicidal ideation.
- Chronic illnesses and pain: When someone is facing a chronic illness or painful condition that they will never fully recover from, it can lead to passive suicidal thoughts.
Statistics and Facts
Worldwide, around 9% of people will experience suicidal ideation at some point in their lifetime. Here, in the United States, various studies have shown in recent years, the suicide rate among men is four times higher than among women. However, women have shown higher rates of suicidal ideation, non-fatal self-harm, and more attempted suicides.
Other statistics and facts according to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health include:
- 1 in 20 adults, 18 or older, thought about suicide
- 13.2 million people had serious thoughts of suicide
- 3.8 million people made plans to commit suicide
- 1.6 million attempted suicide
- 3.4 million adolescents, 12 to 17 years old, had serious thoughts of suicide
- 1.7 million adolescents made plans to commit suicide
- 953,000 adolescents attempted suicide
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Passive Suicidal Ideation
Many people do not fully understand passive suicidal ideation. As a result, they may not view it as serious as active suicidal ideation or self-harming behaviors. Understanding the following myths and misconceptions could make a huge difference in helping someone.
- They are not serious because they have no active plan: Just because someone is having passive suicidal thoughts does not mean they do not want help. Passive thoughts should still be addressed, and help should be given.
- They are just seeking attention: People experiencing passive suicidal ideation are not seeking attention. Rather, they are crying out for help and are often experiencing distress, emotional pain, and suffering.
- People who passively think about it will not actually follow through: Initially, someone may only have passive thoughts about suicide. However, things can quickly escalate from passive to active thoughts.
- They are just being overly emotional and dramatic: Some people think passive suicidal ideation is just an excuse for a person to be dramatic or overly emotional. Instead, the person should not be written off and ignored.
- They don’t really want to die: While they do not wish to actively die at their own hand, they actually do want to die through an accident or by another’s hand.
- It is just a phase, and they will get over it eventually: Treating someone with passive suicidal thoughts like they are going through a phase is never a good idea. They will not get over it without help.
Signs and Symptoms of Passive Suicidal Ideation
It is worth mentioning not everyone experiencing passive suicidal ideation will exhibit signs and symptoms. To their friends and family, they may appear to be fine and will attempt to hide their feelings and passive thoughts. Keeping this in mind, there are some signs and symptoms to look out for that could be present.
Common Thoughts and Feelings
- Feeling like life is not worth living
- No desire to actively end one’s life but wishing and desiring for accidents and injuries to occur so they can die
Behavioral Changes and Warning Signs
- Withdrawal and isolation from friends and family
- No longer finding enjoyment in previously enjoyed hobbies and activities
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Changes in sleep patterns – sleeping excessively or insomnia
- Turning to alcohol or drugs as a coping response
- Giving away one’s possessions
- Making offhanded comments about how things would be better if they were no longer around
How to Help Yourself
While friends and family can be valuable support systems, they are unable to take action on your behalf. Even though it can seem difficult and painful, taking the initial steps to help yourself does not mean you will be alone.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Talk to someone – friends, family, or a helpline
- Develop a safety plan – who to call or contact if your thoughts become active
- Practice self-care – eat healthy, balanced meals, exercise daily, and get sufficient rest
Long-Term Strategies
In order to fully address passive suicidal ideation, you will need a long-term solution, which could include:
- Seeking professional help with therapy and counseling
- Considering medications for specific mental health disorders
- Exploring holistic and evidence-based treatment options
- Building a peer support network
- Developing coping strategies to deal with triggers
How to Help Others with Passive Suicidal Ideation
The friends and family of a loved one experiencing passive suicidal ideation can do several things to help and support them. If you notice any of the signs and symptoms or other changes in behavior, you need to approach your loved one.
How to Approach the Conversation
- Choose an appropriate time and place that is quiet, private, and free of outside distractions or interruptions.
- Express your concern calmly and openly with your loved one. Let them know you care about them and are here to provide support and help in any way you can.
- Ask open-ended questions to attempt to get them to open up and share what they are feeling and experiencing.
- Avoid asking yes or no questions.
- Actively listen to what your loved one is saying and acknowledge their pain and emotions without minimizing them or attempting to fix them.
- It is crucial not to blame them or become critical because of how your loved one feels. Even if you do not fully understand why they feel this way, it is vital to provide support without being judgmental.
- Encourage them to seek professional help through therapy and counseling sessions. Offer your assistance in helping them. Let them know you will go along with them to the initial consultation and be there to support them.
Crisis Intervention
In crisis situations, you need to intervene quickly. You want to get your loved one help and support quickly. There are several helplines and online resources you can contact, including:
- Veterans Crisis Line
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- StopBullying.gov
- The Trevor Project
- The Jed Foundation
- California Department of Public Health Crisis Lines
- County of Los Angeles Public Health Crisis Lines
- Crisis Text Line (Text Home to 741741)
- International Association for Suicide Prevention
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Professional Help and Treatment Options
At Montare Behavioral Health’s treatment centers, we offer comprehensive and personalized treatment options for individuals experiencing aggressive and passive suicidal ideation. Some of the different types of therapies and counseling we offer include:
If you are outside Southern California, we can help refer you to the appropriate support services to help you find a qualified therapist or treatment center in your area. We do accept clients from anywhere in California and across the country. We also offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and medication management services when appropriate for the person’s specific treatment needs.
Online Resources
There are numerous online resources, websites, forums, articles, books, and publications about active and passive suicidal ideation, attempted suicide, and the loss of a loved one to suicide. A good place to start is by contacting us and speaking to one of our admission coordinators about where to find the resources you need. Another viable option is SAMHSA, as well as the helplines and resources previously mentioned.
Passive Suicidal Ideation: Conclusion
It is vital not to ignore passive suicidal ideation even when there may not be an immediate risk of self-harm. The thoughts and emotional distress, as well as related substance use and mental health disorders, need immediate attention. It is important to take passive suicidal ideation seriously, as it could escalate into active suicidal ideation.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing active or passive suicidal ideation, help is available at Montare Behavioral Health. Our caring and compassionate team is here to provide guidance, support, access to resources, and other helpful information.
Remember you are not alone, and there is hope and help available from people who care about your well-being. Focus on taking the initial step to seek help, knowing there are brighter days ahead.
