What it means
Thoughts of ending one's own life. They range from passive thoughts ("I wish I wouldn't wake up") to active thoughts with a plan and the means to carry it out. Suicidal ideation is seen with depression, bipolar disorder, substance use, chronic pain and after major losses, though it can occur with no known mental illness.
For the nurse
Ask directly and calmly: "Are you thinking of killing yourself?" Asking does not put the idea in a person's mind. Ask about a plan, the means and the timing. Keep a client at risk safe: remove harmful items, keep them under close observation as ordered, and report at once. In the US, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | SI |
|---|---|
| Spanish | ideación suicida |
| Also written | suicidal ideations, suicidal thoughts |
Related terms
bipolar disorder
A mental health condition with periods of very high mood and energy (mania) and, often, periods of depression.
grief
The deep emotional, physical and spiritual response to a loss, especially the death of someone close.
coping mechanism
A thought or action a person uses, on purpose or by habit, to handle stress or difficult feelings.