Passive suicidal ideation vs. Active suicidal ideation (trigger warning due to subject)
Have you ever told yourself, "the world would be better off without me" or "death will be the only escape from my pain". I'm sure many of us have dreamt or fantasized about ending our lives, to escape some sort of distress we were experiencing. Perhaps even now you may feel like that. Suicidal ideation is a common feeling when dealing with mental disorders like depression or anxiety. It's the brain's way of trying to cope with a negative feeling. Sometimes the prompting of suicidal feelings has no discernable reason too. Whatever the case, it's a common feeling that I feel is important to address. I also believe that it is important to know the difference between passive suicidal ideation vs. active suicidal ideation.
I've seen this topic brought up a few times with mixed results. There is confusion on how to approach the subject, and provide emotional support for those who are suffering. The topic of suicide is consider a taboo subject in some cultures, so many are unsure of how to handle the subject. Unfortunately there is a unfounded fear that supportive dialogue can or will push someone "over the edge", so the topic is pushed aside from our minds, despite the fact that the sufferer will only become further isolated with their thoughts. Keeping those who suffer in silence, greatly increases the chances of sufferers to eventually seek out a way to carry out their thoughts.
7cups discourages those who are in a crisis to use the site. It also informs members we are not a suicide help site and cannot support those who are actively suicidal. However, there is a huge difference between active suicidal ideation vs passive suicidal ideation. "Passive suicidal ideation involves a desire to die, but without a specific plan for carrying out the death. Active suicidal ideation involves an existing wish to die accompanied by a plan for how to carry out the death." (reference)
It's important to understand the distinction between the two because it is a subject that comes up here often. As members and listeners of 7cups, it is our goal to provide emotional support for those who are suffering. Ultimately it is our hope that those who are suffering will seek outside support, but it is our goal to provide what we can offer. I hope this helps those who may be confused with how to best support members.
