Is it normal to want to stop existing but not in a suicidal way?

Yes completely. Life can get overwhelming sometimes with so many responsibilities such as coursework, social commitments, work, and helping out around the house, depending on your age. Sometimes we all feel like we just want "out" but this outlook doesn't necessarily have to imply suicide. Wanting "out" can simply mean "I really need a break from all of this" because of how exhausting our circumstances can be sometimes. Suicidal thoughts are more assertive, in the sense the person is actively thinking about ending their lives for reasons that transcend how chaotic life can get. Either way, try to tell yourself "I need to take a break" instead of "I want to stop existing" but TL;DR, it definitely does have a non-suicidal meaning to it

I have this as well! Often the desire to stop living creeps up on me, but I know I'd never commit suicide. I don't want to die, I don't want to leave everyone and everything behind but I just want not only me but the entire world to stop existing. I'm not sure yet if feeling this way is normal, but I guess you're not alone. At least I know it is a very annoying feeling, and regardless if it is normal or not it won't hurt to talk about it to someone. Maybe others feel this way as well or can help you overcome these ideas. xx

I don't believe that it is necessarily normal, but then again, what is normal? To different people, 'normal' is different too, as we are all different. What I can confidently tell you instead, is that you are not alone because I have felt that way too. Sometimes I also wish that the whole world and I can all stop existing. Sometimes, it just too just to exist in this messy world. I think this has been caused by everybody calling suicide a sin and blaming us for being selfish for wanting to leave the world and passing the pain onto someone else. I know I'm not strong enough to suicide (or strong enough not to suicide), not because of the pain, but because I would feel bad if I left my family and friends behind in this world. I think that's why I hope that something can kill me (so I wouldn't have to kill myself) or the whole planet (so others won't have to suffer when I die). That way it wouldn't be me being greedy and wanting to die and wouldn't be at fault here. Again, I don't know for certain what these thoughts mean, and this is just a theory. I know I am being hypocritical for not being brave enough, but please tell someone or seek professional help if you also have these thoughts.

That's what one would refer to more as passive ideations. The feeling of wanting to not exist but not necessarily be dead. It's definitely a challenge, and there are many days where I feel that way. It's an uncomfortable feeling, and it's not a fun one either, I understand that. One of those feelings you sometimes have to dig deep of why you feel this way, and journal out your feelings to reflect upon it further. There are many resources at 7 cups to discuss different emotions and listeners ready to help by supporting you. Feelings of non existence are a challenge but it is possible to work through them.

I have felt like that recently, like things would be so much easier if I was gone. I am trying to catch myself in those moments and pause that thinking, like creating some space in those racing thoughts. My hope is that if I can make that space I can interrupt that type of thinking that I don't find healthy or helpful and hopefully replace it with a healthy one like meditation or journaling. As much as it feels like it would be easier to not exist, the problems my absence would create on those that love and need me helps me continue to work on myself to get better and better every day. 🌟