In the context of suicide prevention, what does 'suicidal ideation' refer to?

The term 'suicidal ideation' specifically refers to thoughts about wanting to die. It encompasses a wide range of thoughts, from fleeting considerations of death to more serious contemplation of suicide. This concept is critical in the field of suicide prevention because recognizing these thoughts can help identify individuals who may be at risk and in need of support or intervention.

In contrast, the other options describe related but distinct concepts. For instance, thoughts of self-harm (the first option) can include a variety of actions or ideas that do not necessarily involve suicidal intent. Plans to carry out a suicide attempt (the second option) imply a more definitive action and intention than mere thoughts. Lastly, actions taken towards self-injury (the fourth option) represent behaviors rather than thoughts. Therefore, recognizing and addressing suicidal ideation is a vital step in the process of prevention and treatment.