These numbers highlight why it’s crucial to understand the different ways suicidal thoughts – also known as suicidal ideation – can show up in everyday conversations.
If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
First, directly ask if they are having thoughts of suicide.
This underlines the crucial role of friends, family and peers.
Passive versus active
Active thoughts, in contrast, include thoughts about ending one’s life with some degree of intent or planning. These thoughts can sound like:
Importantly, passive thoughts are not “safer thoughts.”
Research published in 2023 found some thoughts – such as “I wish I were dead” or “maybe I should kill myself” – may represent both active and passive ideation.
Of course, suicide is complex. Warning signs are not always apparent in the moment. If you have lost someone to suicide, please know you are not responsible for their death. Their decision was shaped by many factors beyond just one person’s control.
How long have you been having these thoughts?
I’m going to kill myself.
Passive and active thoughts often co-occur and each independently predicts suicide attempts.
Third, get help. If someone’s life is in immediate danger, call 000, call a helpline such as Lifeline (13 11 14), or take them to the emergency department; if they are not in immediate danger, help them make an appointment with a GP or psychologist or call a helpline.
Do you have a plan to act on these thoughts?
Fourth, follow up and check on the person. Let them know you care about them and ask how often would be appropriate to check in with them.
Passive or active, thoughts of suicide are a sign of deep distress.
First, thank the person for trusting you. Then get curious, listen more than you talk and identify patterns in what they are describing.
Researchers have tried to group related questions to reveal core themes of suicidal thinking but have struggled to articulate an exact distinction between passive and active ideation.
Everyone would be better off if I wasn’t around.
But the two categories are not always clear cut.
Recognising the signs
Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15 to 49. Approximately one in eight Australians have seriously considered suicide.
I don’t want to be here, but I don’t want to be dead.
I wish I could fall asleep and never wake up.
I wish I could just disappear.
- thoughts becoming more frequent or intrusive
- increased hopelessness or despair
- creating plans to end one’s life or preparing to act, and
- engaging in risky behaviour.
Second, listen and take what they are saying seriously, and check their safety to ensure there is nothing they can use to harm themselves.
- shifts in sleep and eating habits
- withdrawing socially
- losing interest in hobbies
- irritability
- decreased academic or work performance, or
- a person putting their affairs in order.
When do these thoughts occur?
More than two thirds of people who die by suicide do not engage with mental health professionals in the year prior to their death.
What should I do if I hear someone talking this way?
The National Australian Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025–2035 recognises the importance of a whole-of-community response to suicide prevention, with specific emphasis on laypeople recognising and responding to suicidal distress.
I’m having thoughts about how I would end my life.
There may also be behavioural changes, such as:
These thoughts can be difficult to recognise – in yourself, or in a loved one.
Talking about suicidal thoughts can reduce stigma and encourage people to get help.
They are often a warning sign the person is in significant distress and may move into more active planning if they do not receive support.
People may not openly express them, or may not know how to put these thoughts into words and ask for help.
Regardless of whether thoughts are passive or active, certain patterns suggest increasing risk.
My life is not worth living.
These thoughts can sound like:
The Black Dog Institute provides a four-step guide for suicide prevention that can help structure your response.
Crisis does eventually pass. While it may not feel possible in the moment, remind the person that things will not stay this way forever and that help is available.
Warning signs include:
Suicidal thoughts can be active or passive. But what’s the difference, and how should we respond when we hear loved ones talking this way?
Researchers once assumed people move along a single continuum from early thoughts to more concrete plans and actions. However, recent research suggests there are substages within this continuum, and people might flip-flop between different types of suicidal thoughts.
Asking about suicide does not put the idea in someone’s head.
Ask about the frequency, intensity and controllability of their thoughts, and whether they are doing anything to prepare to act on them.
How would you rate the intensity of these thoughts?
No feeling is final
When we notice and respond with calm curiosity, compassion and practical support, we may help save a life.
Passive suicidal ideation involves thinking about death or not wanting to live, without intention to act and engage in suicidal behaviour.
Ask questions such as:
I don’t want to live, but I don’t want to die.
