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    Suicidal ideation

    自杀意念

    Phenomenon
    Also called
    suicidal thoughts, thoughts of suicide

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    What is suicidal ideation?

    Suicidal ideation means thoughts of ending one’s own life, ranging from feeling one would be better off dead to making detailed plans.[1] Such thoughts are not rare,[2] and talking about them does not make them worse; it may even ease them.[3]

    From milder to more serious

    What research shows

    What helps

    Schematic, not a self-test.

    Select the band or any card for details.
    Schematic: the top shows the range of suicidal ideation from milder to more serious (as ICD-11 describes it); the middle three cards show what research tells us; the bottom shows three things that help. Select a part for details. Select a part for details
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    Key points

    • WHO World Mental Health surveys of about 85,000 adults in 17 countries found that 9.2% had had suicidal thoughts at some point, ranging from 3% to 16% by country.[2]
    • About seven in ten people who have had suicidal thoughts have never made an attempt; of those who do, 60% do so within a year of onset, so early help matters.[2]
    • A review of 13 studies in adolescents and adults found none where being asked about suicidal thoughts significantly increased them; talking about suicide may even reduce such thoughts.[3]
    • A safety plan made with a clinician lists warning signs, coping strategies and people to contact; a meta-analysis found about 40% less suicidal behavior, but no clear effect on the thoughts.[4]

    An example

    Jay has been saying life feels pointless. His friend Lin doesn’t change the subject; she calmly asks, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Jay says sometimes. Lin thanks him for telling her, stays with him while he calls a helpline, and they plan a doctor’s visit together.[3]

    Misreadings and limits

    Milder thoughts, such as feeling one would be better off dead, still count as suicidal ideation,[1] and they are worth saying out loud. Having these thoughts does not mean someone will act, but risk is much higher once there is a plan.[2] Reach out promptly to a doctor, mental health professional or helpline.

    Sources

    1. 1 World Health Organization (2025). MB26.A Suicidal ideation. ICD-11 for mortality and morbidity statistics (2025-01 release). View source
    2. 2 Nock, M. K., Borges, G., Bromet, E. J., Alonso, J., Angermeyer, M., Beautrais, A., Bruffaerts, R., Chiu, W. T., de Girolamo, G., Gluzman, S., de Graaf, R., Gureje, O., Haro, J. M., Huang, Y., Karam, E., Kessler, R. C., Lepine, J. P., Levinson, D., Medina-Mora, M. E., … Williams, D. R. (2008). Cross-national prevalence and risk factors for suicidal ideation, plans and attempts. British Journal of Psychiatry, 192(2), 98–105. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.107.040113
    3. 3 Dazzi, T., Gribble, R., Wessely, S., & Fear, N. T. (2014). Does asking about suicide and related behaviours induce suicidal ideation? What is the evidence?. Psychological Medicine, 44(16), 3361–3363. doi:10.1017/S0033291714001299
    4. 4 Nuij, C., van Ballegooijen, W., de Beurs, D., Juniar, D., Erlangsen, A., Portzky, G., O’Connor, R. C., Smit, J. H., Kerkhof, A., & Riper, H. (2021). Safety planning-type interventions for suicide prevention: Meta-analysis. British Journal of Psychiatry, 219(2), 419–426. doi:10.1192/bjp.2021.50

    Last checked against sources: October 28, 2026