Print Having thoughts about suicide is one of the possible criteria for a depressive disorder. However, it also occurs in other mental health problems, including addictions, personality disorders, and psychotic disorders. 1 in 25 people have ever thought about suicide. Below you can read more about suicidal thoughts to help you understand and to cope with them.
What are they?
People experience suicidal thoughts in various ways. It can be a vague desire or a very concrete idea or plan. You may be thinking about the consequences of suicide, or you imagine what your funeral would be like. You can fantasize about the different ways to end your life or you search for information on the internet. You can also experience the thoughts as intrusive, frightening, or coming from outside of yourself, or as an internal desire or relief.
There is a distinction made between the type of wish in suicidal thoughts:
- Passive ideation. Life has been difficult for you lately, and you find it challenging to deal with. A common thought is, for example, “Life is exhausting” or “It would be peaceful if I were gone.”
- Active ideation. You have the desire to stop living and have taken steps to act on it. For example, you thought about the form of suicide, you made a concrete plan, you wrote a farewell letter, or arranged practical matters after your death.
Cause
While suicidal thoughts may seem like a desire to die, they are often a reflection of the desire to escape a difficult situation and not wanting to live anymore. Often, it is an expression of despair or hopelessness. If you experience significant problems for a longer period and become depressed as a result, it can become increasingly difficult to see or find a way out. When you feel trapped, it can happen that the idea of death becomes appealing. Some people find it frightening, others find it reassuring to have a kind of ‘solution’ at hand.
What can you do?
- Suicide can feel like a sensitive subject, but talking about it can make it feel less heavy and can help you deal with it. If you find it too scary to talk to your surroundings, discuss it with your doctor, therapist, or a professional from 113 suicide prevention via 113.nl or call 0800-0113.
- It’s important to understand that having suicidal thoughts does not necessarily mean that you want to die. It can help to think that they are there because you have not yet found a solution to your problems.
- If you become anxious, it’s important to realize that having a thought does not mean you will immediately act on it. It’s good to be aware, but you don’t have to be afraid that you will lose complete control.
- Create a safety plan to prevent deterioration or to help you in case of a crisis.
- If there is a possible crisis, it is important to contact the right caregivers. You can contact 113 for help or contact a crisis service through your doctor. If there is an acute emergency or life-threatening situation, call 112.
Sources:
https://ggzvoorelkaar.nl/hulp-onderwerpen/suicidale-gedachten/
