What do serious thoughts about committing suicide refer to?

The term for serious thoughts about committing suicide is referred to as suicidal ideation. This concept encompasses various levels of thoughts ranging from fleeting considerations of suicide to more persistent and defined ideas related to ending one's life. It is a critical aspect for mental health professionals to assess because it can indicate an individual's emotional state and potential for risk.

Suicidal ideation does not necessarily mean the person has made a plan or attempted suicide; it specifically relates to the thoughts themselves. Understanding the nuances of suicidal ideation is essential in the field of mental health, as it guides interventions and support strategies. In contrast, other terms like a suicidal plan or a suicidal attempt denote more advanced stages of suicidal behavior, while cognitive distortion refers to skewed thought patterns that could influence an individual's mood and perceptions but are not specifically focused on thoughts of suicide.