I have also had a horrible time lately with suicidal ideation. I find I get into real trouble when I start to rationalize it. Today, when journaling, I started to "make a case" for it again. I stopped and wrote that I cannot go there and then wrote "STOP" really big on the bottom of the page. That helped me to stop this downward spiral of thoughts when journaling.
I have a hard time with distraction also because when the distraction is done, the thoughts return. It really can become its own obsession/fixation. I have triggers around me all the time it seems and sometimes I have to go to sleep to get away from the thoughts. (Thank goodness for some meds that help me go to sleep quickly, before the thoughts can turn to actions.)
Right now I am getting all of my hope from my therapist. I have to fight hard to not get down on myself from being so dependent on her, but I guess if it keeps me going I need to do it. I also find inspiration from the posts in here. Knowing others have been so low and have gotten out of it gives me some hope too.
With all the "fighting" we have to do every day, we need to realize that we are all a lot stronger than we think.

Love you all!