Suicidality means a person is thinking about ending their life, doing things to try to end their life, or both.
Suicidal thoughts are thoughts about wanting to die or not wanting to be alive anymore.
Suicidal behaviors are actions a person takes to try to end their life, such as making an attempt or getting ready to make an attempt (for example, getting a weapon or saving up medicine to take all at once).
These signs require immediate attention. Please take these warning signs seriously.
Warning Signs
Suicidal Thoughts
Key difference
Passive: wanting the pain to stop VS Active: wanting to act to stop it
Intent vs. Plan
Intent: desire or readiness to act
Plan: specific details (how, when, means)
Suicidal Behaviors
Actions one takes or plans to take to end one’s life.
Some examples are:
- Suicide attempt: one tried to kill oneself, but did not die
- Interrupted attempt: one was in the act or just about to kill oneself when something or someone interrupted or stopped them
- Aborted attempt: one was in the act or just about to kill oneself but stopped
- Preparatory behaviors: one gets what one needs to carry out a suicide plan (getting access to lethal means like a bottle of sleeping pills or a gun)
Risk of dying by suicide increases a lot when a person has active suicidal thoughts (intention and plan to die), especially when they have the means (e.g., access to a gun) to carry out their plan.
All signs are serious and deserve care and support. If you notice these signs, seek immediate help.
Where to Seek Help and Support
Chronic suicidality
Sometimes people have suicidal thoughts or behaviors that keep coming back over and over, rather than only during a short crisis. This is called chronic suicidality.
Having chronic suicidality does not always mean a person is in danger right now.
But when a person has had suicidal thoughts or behaviors before, they are more likely to have them again later.
This is why it is important to keep checking in, asking how your child is feeling, and watching for warning signs that they might need help.