Suicide, Ambivalence About

Ambivalence about suicide refers to an individual’s contradicting ideas or mixed feelings about wanting to die and wanting to live. It is common for an individual with suicidal thoughts to have both a desire for life and a desire for death. An individual is considered ambivalent about suicide when he or she describes equivalent levels of wanting to live and wanting to die. This internal debate can range from brief, fleeting thoughts of life versus death to serious contemplation of ending one’s life while still considering reasons to live. In one study, ambivalence about suicide was found in nearly 95% of individuals experiencing high suicidality; however, thoughts and ambivalence can vary among individuals in terms of its presentation, severity, and frequency. Many individuals who have ...

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