Suicidal thoughts are those thoughts about wanting life to be over, etc. that most of us get who deal with depression from time to time. They tending to be fairly fleeting.

Ideation is more of a preoccupation with that kind of thinking. The thoughts become more of a fixation, but still, a plan really isn't there. This can become concerning for therapists if they have patients who are prone to impulsivity, but generally still not a huge risk factor for most patients.

When a patient seems to have a plan, that is when pdocs and therapists may make more direct intervention. They may contact a loved one or each other. They may request you admit yourself voluntarily to a hospital for safety.