Anxiety can affect a person’s life in all sorts of ways. From attending an unwanted social gathering solely for the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), to crippling feelings of overwhelm that keep you in your home, having your life dictated by fear can be exhausting and defeating. What happens if these feelings become so much that you begin to think that the only way to escape this anxiety is to cease to exist? You are not alone. This is a scary reality for many people affected by clinical anxiety.
Individuals that struggle with anxiety are often overlooked when discussing the issue of suicidal ideation. It is a common misconception that only those with depression are at risk of suicidal thoughts, but the reality is that anxiety can feel so debilitating at times that thoughts of not being here anymore may seem like the only way to alleviate the pain. However, these thoughts are often short-lived and do not include a plan or desire to follow through.
So what if someone feels that ending their life is the only way to escape the pain, yet they are not actively considering suicide? It may be easy to dismiss these thoughts as an issue altogether. Although an individual’s actions might not point toward the commonly discussed issue of suicidal ideation (SI), it is also important to be aware of what is called “passive SI.” Passive SI is a problem that we are societally less aware of, but that does not diminish its significant impact on many people.
Passive and active suicidal ideation are two different complex subjects. Active suicidal ideation involves coming up with an action plan, and having an intent to follow through on that plan. Passive SI may be explained as a desire to cease to exist, or perhaps even a feeling that if one died by accident, he or she might be better off. Someone with passive SI may daydream of dying in their sleep or of being diagnosed with a terminal illness. These thoughts may lead to skipped medications that are crucial for their health, eating poorly, or allowing themselves to get chronically dehydrated. These behaviors are self-destructive, especially if they become habitual. Recognition of these patterns is crucial in order to make steps toward a positive change.
It is important to note that many people who struggle with anxiety-driven suicidal thoughts may not actually plan on carrying through with any plan. However, thoughts alone may lead actions resulting in unintended health consequences and can be dangerous in the long run. Awareness of passive SI and the people who are affected is incredibly important as untreated passive SI may turn to active suicidal ideation. Regardless of whether you are or someone you love is struggling with active or passive SI, validation of their feelings should be offered and the issue should be discussed with a mental health professional.