Like an artist or an architect, planning plays an important role in suicidal experiences. Future plans can be an amazing tool to combat suicidal tendencies. Finding things to plan and look forward to, big or small, can help fight off suicidal thoughts. However, planning is also a red flag that mental health professionals look for when discussing suicide. Suicide plans vs suicidal thoughts are a good indicator of where someone is in the process and the seriousness in the help they might need.