What is an indication of active suicidal ideation?

Active suicidal ideation refers to a state where an individual is not only considering suicide but has clear, structured thoughts about how they might carry it out. When someone has clear thoughts about the specifics of self-harm, it shows a level of intention and planning that indicates a higher risk of acting on those suicidal thoughts. This includes having particular methods in mind, times, or detailed plans on how they would go about this.

In contrast, vague feelings of sadness, a desire to improve relationships, and general talk of wanting to be left alone do not necessarily reflect the immediacy or clarity of thought associated with active suicidal ideation. Vague feelings may suggest emotional distress without a clear link to self-harm, while wanting to improve relationships indicates a desire for connection rather than a desire to disengage from life. General talk about wanting to be left alone could indicate withdrawal or loneliness but does not equate to having explicit thoughts or intentions about self-harm. The presence of clear and detailed thoughts about self-harm is what distinctly marks the high risk associated with active suicidal ideation.