Passive Suicidal Ideation: The Hidden Mental Health Struggle No One Talks About

Dr. Scott Eilers, PsyD, LP
Oct 25, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jul 17

Passive Suicidal Ideation (Passive S.I.) is one of the most misunderstood symptoms in all of mental health—and it affects far more people than you think.

This isn't about wanting to die. It’s about not caring if you live.

And if that resonates, you’re not broken. You’re exhausted.

What Is Passive Suicidal Ideation?

Passive Suicidal Ideation is the experience of thinking about death or not wanting to live—but without active intent or a specific plan to end your life.

People with Passive S.I. might say things like:

“If I didn’t wake up tomorrow, I’d be okay with that.”
“I’m not planning to die, I just don’t want to keep doing this.”

It’s not about drama. It’s about depletion. It's not that you're chasing death—you're just tired of chasing life.

Passive vs. Active Suicidal Ideation

The key distinction is intent.

Passive Suicidal Ideation involves thoughts of death without a plan.
Active Suicidal Ideation includes specific plans or actions aimed at ending one’s life.

Both are serious. But Passive S.I. often goes unnoticed, invalidated, or misinterpreted—even by professionals.

Top 3 Myths About Passive Suicidal Ideation

Let’s cut through the noise and name what’s real.

“Passive Suicidal Thoughts Are Selfish.”

False. Most people with Passive S.I. think constantly about how their absence would affect others. They stay alive for their kids. Their pets. Their parents. Their patients. Their people.

That’s not selfish—that’s sacrificial.

“If You Feel This Way, You Must Be Weak.”

Nope. Passive S.I. is often a result of chronic emotional overload. It’s the outcome of surviving too much for too long with too little support. You’re not weak. You’re worn down. And that’s not the same thing.

“If Your Life Is Good, You Shouldn’t Feel This Way.”

Let’s stop saying this.

Yes, you can have a good job, loving relationships, and a stable life—and still feel like you want to disappear. This isn’t about external success. It’s about internal suffering. And that kind of pain doesn’t show up on Instagram.

Why Passive Suicidal Ideation Deserves Serious Attention

Many people don’t realize that Passive S.I. is a major risk factor for Active S.I. Left unaddressed, it can spiral. But more than that, it’s a signal from your system:

“Something in your life is unsustainable.”

That’s not something to hide or feel ashamed about. That’s something to listen to.

Can You Recover From Passive Suicidal Ideation?

Yes. But healing doesn’t come in the form of inspirational quotes or vague wellness advice. It takes practical tools, nuanced support, and a new kind of mental health care—one designed for people who feel like therapy wasn’t made for them.

Here’s what I’ve found to be true:

You don’t need to be “cured” to find hope.
You don’t need to “fix” your mindset to feel better.
You don’t need to explain yourself to people who don’t get it.

What you do need is a new approach. That’s what I’m building here.

Next Steps: Real Help for the Quiet Despair

If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t keep doing this,”—that’s not weakness. That’s your system calling out for help. You don’t have to answer that call alone.

Watch this video as I share my personal experience with Passive S.I., including the tools that helped me reclaim hope when nothing else worked.