Discussion Does the "temptation" counts as suicide attempts, or only are invasive thoughts?

[BlueberryDeer]

Perhaps the title is confusing, but let me contextualize:
- I'm a suicidal person, by various reasons. But I only figure two methods possible, since the other ones doesn't catch my attention: jumping and hanging.
Jumping is harsh to resist the temptation. I put two scenarios: 4 years ago, I did a work who I wasn't qualified: helping another guy to extend a "for sale" banner in a huge post. Sure, we have the harness and the equipment, but occasionally I had the thought of "How if I die by fall and my suicide was camouflaged as accident?", however, for not traumatizing the guys who I was working, I didn't proceed to simulate an job accident.
Recently, in 2025, I'm working in a office building and I stay at the last floor (15), and I noticed that the bathroom window was relatively accessible, since it was only to stay at the toilet and did a jump to climb it (It has a counter between the wall and the window). Well, I didn't call exactly an attempt, but more an suicidal speculation: how is it possible to facilitate someone to jump in a such way? Yes, I know, perhaps for the fire code the window must be remain open, but I wonder if someone doesn't have the boldness to resist, it could defenestrate themselves easily. The only reason that I didn't proceed is that I didn't want to put any guilt to my company by my decision, since it wouldn't be job stress related, purely personal and spiritual reasons.
Now, I just wonder... those events counts as attempts, or it was only high suicide thoughts? Because,since it was a tremendous temptation to fight so, if counted, well, I have 3 suicide attempts on my life. If not, it still worries me.
Ah, and I tell in this forum because I don't trust any psychotherapist or psychiatrist regarding this, because I don't want to be committed to a psych ward.
Blessings from the void.

 

[U. A.]

imo "attempt" is kind of defined by doing something you think or at least hope will end life; I don't think it's any kind of significant or moralistic distinction, it's just a difference. Just like how setting out to die by drinking X amount of alcohol really really fast could be considered an "attempt" even though the odds of it succeeding are basically nonexistent.
Just words, labels.

 

[Forever Sleep]

For me personally- I would describe this as (very) active ideation. I imagine it's something people thinking about suicide a lot will do. What would it be like to jump into that river? To jump from these railings?

Personally, I wouldn't call it an attempt unless you'd made an action to do what you were thinking about. Especially when it comes to everyday dangers. So- did you puposefully say- climb a tower with the idea you might jump off or, were you there fixing something as part of your job?

Where I would call something a close attempt is say- weighing and mixing up SN, or putting your neck in a noose- if the intention actually was to go ahead. Otherwise, I'd tend to say it's very strong active ideation.

It's not to knock how serious that is though. To be seriously contemplating the practicalities of suicide in everyday situations I'd say points to someone who is very unhappy and, very seriously considering it.

 

[mjolnir]

Suicidal ideation is when a person thinks about suicide, which can be just fleeting thoughts or more structured ideas, while a suicide attempt occurs when a person actually acts to take their own life, but the action does not result in death; that is, ideation involves thoughts, and an attempt involves behavior.

 

[dead dav]

Yes especially when you find it hard to overcome the strong feeling that you need to hang got to the point of tightening a cord around my neck

 

[AstralMadness]

I agree with U.A and forever and think attempt is only defined by either almost taking or taking a specific action that you believe will lead you to die

 

[zizzou]

Ideation is what you're describing. Ideation is ideas, thoughts, planning. Attempt is an action. The step in between is active planning