How often do you think of suicide?

[Mermaidwithoutacause]

I was talking to a friend about how someone we knew had sadly tried to kill themselves and she said it had never crossed her mind once, in her entire life to do so, even in really difficult times.

I think about it a lot. I assumed everyone did. I know how. I know what preparations I’d make. It’s often in my mind.

Is this not the norm? I’m genuinely asking here. I assumed everyone gave this some thought.

I have, occasionally. One period I thought about it every day but i would say this was more intrusive thoughts than thinking about suicide. More a 'what if I did this' or a 'what if i get worse and cant stop myself'. Sometimes I get urges to drive in front of a lorry or a tractor or flip my car. Again these are more intrusive thoughts, almost like I have so much anxiety about doing it I need to do it so i know what would happen. Not a desire to do it.

It is not normal to think about suicide every day. I am sorry for everyone on this thread who feels like this

I think about dying all the time a few times a day
Sometimes by suicide other times if I got really sick

I thought it was normal to question your existence

I do think of it, sometimes more intensely than others and have a plan what I would do

fairly often, usually when im premenstrual, I wish I could, but ultimately I know I couldnt inflict that sort of carnage on my children.
I thought it was fairly normal.

There are days I think suicide would be a blissful way out. I know when, how and where I would do it.

But I wouldn't actually go through with it. I've seen videos of children crying with the grief they feel for their parents lost to suicide. It's not normal. Like the sound of wild animals crying out in agonising pain. Now that I've seen these videos I couldn't ever put them through this.

I wonder how many of us would actually fo it, if it were easy. Say take a red pill, fall asleep and not wake up. I imagine percentage wise it would be as high as 25%. Maybe more.

I'm a recovering alcoholic and, when drinking, I would often think about it but, also as a sole parent, I felt trapped because I knew that I couldn't go through with it. Fast forward nearly 13 years and it seems a long time ago until AA members who've had relapses or are new in the rooms share their desperation and we can pretty much all relate to how they feel.

My sister's partner committed suicide and for him, it was his solution because he was so troubled. His children will never recover from their father's decision.

In general I agree with PPs who say that suicide ideation is a form of control. It can give us a sense of relief in a way, in recognising that an alternative exists if everything really gets that overwhelming. In reality, although I have heard many, many people talk about their detailed plans, in most cases it's been to have a sense of control. If it helps them to talk about it, I have every sympathy.

Never

@Mermaidwithoutacause

I have an effective plan. It would work. I think about what I will need to get in order first. I think about it a lot. It’s on my mind most of the time.

Please get some help. Via your GP or Samaritans?

I won't say all the time but certainly frequently.

For me knowing how I would do it is my safety net when I am feeling very crap. I know I could do it any time so I don't need to do it now.

I have no intention of doing anything in the near future but it is still there as a safety net

I'm late to the thread sorry! It's been a constant thought in my mind since I was a young child. I was introduced to the idea of suicide young as my dad completed suicide when I was 6, where as most children don't know about it at that age. I suppose it's something that is introduced as a teen but not in a personal way. Something you think would never happen to you/someone you know. My 6yo knows his grandad died because he was very sad and I hope that he doesn't learn of suicide in a vivid way until he is much older. In fact the reason I have committed to not hurting myself since he was born even when I was suffering more than ever is because I never want him to go through what I went through (I'm a lot better now than I was when he was born and the past few years though). It's not normal to think about it all the time, people are shocked that I'm so blasé about it.

Attempted suicide 3 times when younger. Each one progressively nearer to completion.

Those who bang on about suicidal people not appreciating how much pain it causes etc... My partner died of suicide 2 years ago. Believe me, I KNOW the agony suicide brings.

However, knowing that rationally/cognitively has no bearing on my own suicidal ideation or those who are suicidal.

I wish others who are not personally affected by suicide/suicidal ideation/clinical depression/severe MI would politely refrain from using the holier than though guilt trip card.

@MuckyPlucky sorry for your loss Mucky.

I first started the ideology when I was 9/10.

@MuckyPlucky

Attempted suicide 3 times when younger. Each one progressively nearer to completion.

Those who bang on about suicidal people not appreciating how much pain it causes etc... My partner died of suicide 2 years ago. Believe me, I KNOW the agony suicide brings.

However, knowing that rationally/cognitively has no bearing on my own suicidal ideation or those who are suicidal.

I wish others who are not personally affected by suicide/suicidal ideation/clinical depression/severe MI would politely refrain from using the holier than though guilt trip card.

I concur with the fourth section, completely!

@justanotherneighinparadise
Honestly, it wouldn't be anywhere near 25% and I think it's worrying that you believe this.

Every now and then. But I let it pass like a cloud. It's just a feeling/thought. I won't dwell there too long.