I've mostly shared suicidal thoughts with T and marriage counselor after the fact, rather than when I'm feeling them. I have contacted them (by phone or text) when I was feeling that way, but I've said something like, "I'm in a bad place right now," or "I'm really struggling." I was worried to say what I was really feeling because I was afraid they'd call 911 on me. And I didn't want cops/ambulance showing up at my house.

The couple times that I called T or MC late at night when I was feeling that way (but wasn't specific with them about the feelings), one of the first things they said to me was "Is this an emergency?" or "Do you need to go to the ER?" T later told me that calling late at night is already a red flag, that something is seriously wrong.

When I've told them about the feelings after the fact, they've just seemed accepting of it. I shared what I was feeling and the reasons I thought I was feeling it. Once or twice, they asked if I still felt that way, and I said no. I imagine it would have been different if I'd contacted them while I was still in that state...

Edited to add: You asked about the hinting. Recently, I told MC that I felt "hopeless"--his serious, concerned reaction suggested he got what I was implying. Then I mentioned that I'd had "Fleeting thoughts" without using the "s" word, and he clearly seemed to get what I meant. I later used the actual word in an e-mail, just to make sure he knew what I meant (while reassuring him that it was just that brief period, and I was OK now.)