Are You Passively Suicidal? Understanding the Signs of Distress

Sometimes, it seems like life can be very overwhelming and you stop tracking time. You go to work and respond to messages but deep inside, you’re feeling an unsettling ache. It feels like everyone is moving forward without you and you’re no longer connected to what’s happening around. 

This isn’t just all about feeling sad but a nagging numbness where you don’t typically care whether you’re going to wake up the next day or not. It’s a feeling that’s challenging to explain and it’s harder to admit especially if you keep showing up where you’re expected, and it looks like nothing’s wrong from the outside.

Knowing What it Feels Like to Be Passively Suicidal

Instead of active ideation, where people begin to talk about ending their lives, passively suicidal feelings often manifest quietly. There are no particular plans, and there’s no immediate intent of killing. It’s just a deep sense of indifference towards life, and some wouldn’t generally mind if their lives ended the next day. 

It’s often the case for someone who is experiencing grief due to the death of a loved one or ones who have experienced a traumatic situation. It’s best to recognize the warning signs of a passively suicidal person to avoid things from getting worse. Those who have mental health disorders can make their feelings of despair worse, and they can have a more distorted view of the world.

Gradual development often describes this as a mindset, and those who have bipolar disorders can have a huge impact on suicide ideation. Proper diagnosis is needed but there are often misconceptions that many people face which makes their situations more overwhelming. 

Recognizing the Subtle Emotional Cues

These situations don’t show up dramatically and this is why they’re termed as passive. They hide behind the masks that people wear to face a new day, but most people might lack interest in the activities that they used to enjoy. 

Conversations are forced or more withdrawn and others just completely shut up because they want to avoid opening emotionally. It’s a behavior that can be mistaken for general fatigue, but it doesn’t generally go away after a night of sleep.

Some might begin to develop clutter in their homes, and they don’t have the energy to care for themselves. They tend to skip washing, and their sleep patterns can become irregular. Isolation starts because there’s no motivation to talk to others. It’s an emotional withdrawal that you can find out more here can create a barrier for everyone, and this is why it’s way harder to recognize.

Responding When You Recognize These Feelings Yourself

When you admit that you’re struggling, like a growing disinterest in life or frequent thoughts that your presence doesn’t matter, you need to take everything seriously, even if it’s hard to admit at first. This is a sign that you need to pay attention to your mental health, and you need support to feel better again.

Acknowledge your feelings in a safe space and confide with someone who doesn’t judge. These feelings don’t need justification and just naming them can be powerful enough to get rid of them little by little. Consider reaching out to a professional therapist if you can’t find someone you trust because just letting it all out can feel like dropping an immense weight out of your chest.

Rebuild emotional strength by doing something every day that can bring you a sense of peace. Walk outside for a few minutes or write down your thoughts so you could reflect on them. It doesn’t need to be all bottled up inside because healing doesn’t always a one-time thing. It will be quiet steps towards self-understanding and before you know it, you’re going to wake up one day feeling okay.

How to Support Someone Who Might Be Struggling?

When someone you know seems distant, it can be challenging to approach them. However, don’t ask too much, and just start by observing them. Never assume anything and look for subtle changes in their mood. 

Express concern without requiring them to tell you everything or pressuring them in any way. Let them know that you’re there and you’re willing to listen and get help for mental health if needed. Find out more about this here: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/about-mental-health.html. 

Others just need to see a go signal before sharing their truths because they’re afraid that they’ll be considered a burden to someone. It’s best to reassure them that their feelings matter and avoid cheering them up too quickly. Instead, be a stable presence and a patient one that can be a stepping stone for them to get professional support. Check on them frequently afterward to see if they are okay.

For those who are offering their support, be mindful of your emotional boundaries because it can be a heavy struggle when you’re helping others with their mental health. Encouraging them while practicing self-care and just showing empathy can often make a difference.

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