Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

Is it normal to have suicidal thoughts sometimes but not be suicidal?

25 Answers
Last Updated: 09/15/2020 at 4:20pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Lauren Abasheva, LMHC

Licensed Professional Counselor

A sex positive, and kink knowledgeable therapist with an open mindset and a clear understanding that we are all different.

Top Rated Answers
tealCake5936
November 9th, 2017 12:26am
For the past 20 years, I've been miserable inside but hide it from family and friends. I often think about ways to kill myself, like jumping right in front of the train or driving off a bridge while I am driving. I know this is crazy but I don't want to be judged for these thoughts. I don't have a question but wanted to get off my chest because I'm tired of holding it in.
99PETelepahants
January 16th, 2015 10:50am
All kinds of thoughts that most of us wouldn’t dare express pass through all of us. Suicidal thoughts are no different. When you consider that the only way for you to actually have a thought, is by using a language that was impressed upon you from birth by the culture you live in, the words and their meanings you use to express or translate electrical impulses we’ve termed “thought”, are tools borrowed from society while you’re alive, used merely in the way you were taught to from an age when you were too young to question anything, it makes the idea of thoughts being personal seem a little hollow. It doesn’t always make it feel any less real though. Suicidal thoughts are often an expression of a wish for a splintered part of us that holds a set of value’s and emotional energies to disappear. We’re looking for a way to destroy something we’re feeling because it’s too painful when pushed up against what we think we should be feeling instead. It’s an inner conflict, and where there doesn’t seem to be a way out - both conflicting thought patterns are too heavy with emotion to bear - then sometimes the only way out we can see is to kill the body and off the mind. Addictions and substance abuse are often a milder form of suicide, trying to kill off or suppress certain parts of the body, usually the mind, where the conflict seems most apparent. So these thoughts are more common than we might imagine in more people than we may ever realize. Usually our perception will collapse itself and reform to adapt with circumstances when under a lot of emotional pressure, and we may suddenly or over time see the world very differently, but it takes quite a big push from both sides to drive someone to the actual act of suicide, more often than not it will be a cry for help, nudging at something below the surface which requires attention. It may be worth gently exploring thoughts like this when they arise so they don’t evolve into anything more serious.
KristenHR
January 25th, 2015 11:22am
Some people have suicidal thoughts that are more passive when overwhelmed, for example, "I wish I just wouldn't wake up." They don't want to do anything to harm themselves, they just want the stress or pain to end. Suicidal thoughts are always a concern as they tell us that there is something not right - either too much stress, something overwhelming, not wanting to cope with something, etc. So if you have suicidal thoughts, please take time to figure out why. Then seek the appropriate help. Sometimes a counselor or pastor or even your medical doctor or nurse practitioner can help with feedback and hopefully help reduce the suicidal thoughts.
Anonymous
March 8th, 2016 3:19pm
Yes! its perfectly normal to have suicidal thoughts sometimes but not be suicidal. Its called being passivley suicidal.
Marisa38
June 5th, 2017 1:18pm
Absolutely. When we are in pain, whether it is physical or emotional, we want the pain to stop. And we have learned that death ends pain. If you know that you are not suicidal but are thinking about suicide, this is a good indication that you need to stop and focus on you. What are you missing from your life? What is causing you this excruciating pain? And how can you help yourself? (Even reaching out for help is a step in helping yourself).
Anonymous
May 1st, 2018 9:00am
Yes it is absolutely normal to have suicidal thoughts sometimes. But what is important is what decisions you choose to make with that knowledge.
Anonymous
April 17th, 2017 1:48pm
While I do occasionally think of suicide, I'd never thought of actually committing suicide myself. It's like, thinking about dating someone but not actually wanting to date that someone. It's worth a thought, but I'd rather not.
Freebirdie
May 3rd, 2015 7:37pm
That's completely normal dear!Its normal to have thoughts like..What is I didn't exist..Its normal to think about the worst things..But you should take care to not make it a persistent thought..If at all you have such thoughts..Follow these thoughts with how wonderful you are and you will get through the tough time
michelle2000
September 26th, 2016 2:43am
Yes! It is possible (and very common) to have suicidal thoughts while not actually being suicidal. For example, a person may have feelings of not wanting to be alive, so maybe they over time have stopped looking both ways before crossing the street. They technically aren't suicidal, but they have just stopped caring about life.
Anonymous
April 30th, 2015 7:39pm
Absolutely, death is a huge part of our existence. It has a big impact on everyone around us even if we'd like to tell ourselves that it wouldn't. It's something that everyone has to face at some point in their life and it's perfectly normal to think about it. However, focusing on it is counter-productive. Make the most out of the moment right now. Make small, deliberate decisions to improve your outlook. Don't wonder what will happen next or stop yourself from experiencing life to worry about the future. You matter right here, right now.
Oreo
July 20th, 2015 11:44am
Yes. Although suicidal thoughts may be the beginning of suicidal tendencies, it is not necessarily the case. There is a difference between imagining ending your life and actually wanting to die.
Anonymous
March 12th, 2018 4:29pm
It's normal to have suicidial thoughts but at the the same time you aren't actively suicidial because many times you don't want to be here because of an event you've been put through while others are positive aspects and that makes you want to stay.
Anonymous
April 30th, 2015 2:00am
Of course! I feel as if everyone in their life has had a "what if" moment about suicide, and that doesn't mean you have to be suicical
Anonymous
April 16th, 2018 1:24pm
Under some circumstances yes it's normal to have suicidal thoughts, like in the event of a family member dying and you're at that point where you want to join them wherever they are. But as long as you don't try taking your life it's fine
Anonymous
October 17th, 2017 6:57pm
There is a huge gap between having suicidal thoughts and being suicidal. Sometimes we get suicidal thoughts, it might be because we want a break but except suicide there seem to be none, or because these thoughts are negative and making us feel like we don't deserve to live, it could be anything and it comes as a thought but that doesn't mean we will act on it or that we even want to act on it. Suicidal thoughts make me scared and sad as I'm not suicidal. I guess that having suicidal thoughts when not being suicidal just means that we are overwhelmed at the moment which is normal, it's hard to be but it happens.
Anonymous
August 8th, 2016 11:14pm
It is often a side effect of something other than just daily life, like depression or anxiety or any other mental illness. There is nothing that is really "normal" as everyone is different, but I would recommend talking to a hotline or online chat that deals with suicide when you are feeling suicidal.
RoxyCares13
March 1st, 2016 11:15pm
It is normal to have fleeting thoughts that maybe you are too overwhelmed to carry on living or maybe that people would be better off without you. Most people experience these thoughts at some point but are not necessarily suicidal. If you are having these thoughts regularly or they are affecting your life, you should speak to someone close or your gp.
Anonymous
September 14th, 2015 5:09pm
Suicidal thoughts are very serious and if you have any of them seeking help is the right thing to do. For me suicidal thoughts came with other issues even though i never tried to commit suicide. Seeking professional help will if anything make sure whatever is the so called "problem" can be solved, even though the problem might not be about being suicidal.
Anonymous
August 7th, 2017 2:38am
Yes, that is possible. You can think of suicidal thoughts but not be actively suicidal. In fact, it means you are strong to not be actively suicidal. There is also parasuicidal behaviour, which is pretty much to either act or think suicidally without excpecting death as an outcome
ThaliaRaven
July 18th, 2016 8:07pm
This may be sign of advanced stage of major (clinical) depression and there is NEEDED to find help of professional.
RumpleSteeleSkin
February 20th, 2017 5:44am
How can one say if it is normal or not? It is different for many people. But some are actively suicidal and do things and some just have thoughts on this-and thats it. I'd talk with you doctor on this and they can talk over with you on how things are.
cherishedJet13
August 17th, 2015 8:07am
Yes, it's actually very common. Everyone has thought, "Oh hmm I wonder what it would be like to die?" Everyone has those thoughts, it doesn't make different it's just part of normal human curiosity.
olimaar
October 26th, 2015 3:50pm
I'm sure that as long as you don't intend on hurting yourself, it's okay to ponder. But try to find out why you feel this way. Is it curiosity? Is it because you feel misunderstood? Try to find a way to prevent letting those thoughts become actions.
Larzy
September 1st, 2015 11:06pm
It is very normal, I'd say you might be at a stage where you are not YET suicidal, I suggest you see someone just to make sure you don't get as far as being suicidal. :)
Anonymous
September 15th, 2020 4:20pm
Yes it is because there can be lots of people who may say suicidal things but not really be suicidal or diagnosed as suicidal but yet they may still feel suicidal.Yes it is because there can be lots of people who may say suicidal things but not really be suicidal or diagnosed as suicidal but yet they may still feel suicidal.Yes it is because there can be lots of people who may say suicidal things but not really be suicidal or diagnosed as suicidal but yet they may still feel suicidal.Yes it is because there can be lots of people who may say suicidal things but not really be suicidal or diagnosed as suicidal but yet they may still feel suicidal.Yes it is because there can be lots of people who may say suicidal things but not really be suicidal or diagnosed as suicidal but yet they may still feel suicidal.