Thoughts such as “I wouldn’t mind if I didn’t wake up tomorrow”, “If something bad happened to me, I wouldn’t try to stop it”, and “Life feels meaningless, but I won’t do anything about it.” can be considered as passive suicide, also known as passive suicidal ideation which refers to thoughts or behaviours where a person wishes they would die but does not actively plan or attempt to take their own life. It is a state where a person wishes they were dead or feels indifferent about dying but does not take active steps to end their life.

While these thoughts may seem less urgent than active suicidal ideation (where someone makes a plan to end their life), they are still serious and indicate significant distress. Usually, passive suicidal ideation is often linked to as follows: 

• Mental health condition. Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or fatigue, overwhelming worry that makes life exhausting, lingering pain from past experiences, suicidal thoughts during depressive episodes
• Chronic stress or burnout. Overworking with no relief, feeling trapped in an unfulfilling life, and financial, relationship, or career struggles
• Grief or loss. Losing a loved one, end of a meaningful relationship, and feeling abandoned or alone
• Physical health issues. Chronic pain or illness, fatigue that affects daily life, and terminal illnesses
• Lack of purpose or hope. Feeling like life has no direction, believing nothing will ever improve, social isolation or lack of meaningful connections

Even though there is no active plan, passive suicidal thoughts can escalate over time and can be really a serious matter. Ignoring them might lead to deeper depression, riskier behavior, or eventual active suicidal ideation. It can escalate if left unaddressed. Over time, they might lead to active suicidal ideation (making a plan), Cause self-destructive behavior (substance abuse, reckless driving, self-neglect), and Deepen feelings of hopelessness and isolation. Ignoring these thoughts can also make it harder to reach out for help later.

If you or someone you know is experiencing passive suicidal thoughts here some of the things that might help them to find relief: 

• Reach out for support. A friend, therapist, or crisis helpline can help and let them talk how they feel
• Address the root cause. Therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication might be needed. Identify what are their triggers such as When do these thoughts happen most? (At night? After stressful events?), What makes them worse? (Social media? Isolation? Certain conversations?), and Understanding the patterns.
• Find reasons to stay and reconnect with meaning. Focus on small joys, meaningful connections, and personal growth. Even if life feels empty, small joys still exist (music, nature, pets, art). Start with tiny, manageable goals to rebuild a sense of purpose. Engage in activities that bring a sense of connection or achievement.
• Consider professional help. Therapy (CBT, DBT, or trauma therapy) can help reframe thoughts and medication may be an option for underlying conditions. A doctor or therapist can help create a safety plan for when thoughts become overwhelming.
• Prioritise self-care. Sleep and nutrition affect mood more than we realise. Movement (even gentle stretching or a short walk) can help. Grounding techniques (breathing exercises, mindfulness, journaling) can ease distress.

Even if these thoughts feel persistent, they do not define you; and they can be managed and overcome. Healing takes time, but you’re worthy of support and hope. Give empathy and patience to yourself. You’re allowed to feel this and you are also allowed to get through with this. 

Dina G. Relojo is a social media manager at Psychreg. She is a high school teacher from the Philippines.