Which of the following is not an example of suicidal ideation?

• A. Feeling hopeless but not thinking about death or suicide
• B. Wishing to be dead without taking any action
• C. Making a detailed plan to commit suicide
• D. Thinking about ways to end one's own life

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation refers to thinking about, considering, or planning suicide. It involves thoughts or preoccupations with ending one's own life.
2. Step 2: Analyze each option to see if it involves thoughts or plans related to suicide. For example, 'Wishing to be dead without taking any action' involves a desire related to death, which can be considered a form of suicidal ideation.
3. Step 3: Consider 'Making a detailed plan to commit suicide' and 'Thinking about ways to end one's own life' as clear examples of suicidal ideation because they involve active contemplation and planning of suicide.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the option 'Feeling hopeless but not thinking about death or suicide.' Although hopelessness is a risk factor for suicidal ideation, this option explicitly states there are no thoughts about death or suicide, so it does not meet the criteria for suicidal ideation.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the option which does not involve any thoughts or plans about suicide is not an example of suicidal ideation, distinguishing feelings or emotions from actual suicidal thoughts.