I think the difference between "suicidal thoughts" and "suicidal ideation" is that ideation = thinking + motivation. So when you're motivated to act upon a thought, you have an ideation.

Personally, I think that anyone with any romance in them will inevitably fantasize about how they might kill themselves. Self-destruction is the shadow side of self-creation.

Some philosopher -- probably Nietzsche -- said something like, "Thoughts of suicide have delivered many a sufferer from a desperate night."

I think that it's important to be adult on the subject and acknowledge that we all have the right to self determination. I find the assurance of being able to end my own life to be empowering and strengthening. As long as I know that I can end it all if I absolutely must, I can bear just about anything.

I have done my research on the subject, determined a few options, and filed them away. This is called "being informed." And, of course, the famous bridge in my city is the most active suicide spot on the planet.

I call it PLAN Z. ('z' because it is absolutely the last plan to resort to). It doesn't hurt to have one. But I never, ever have to act on it. And this knowledge and assurance has delivered me through a few desperate nights. Mike