Bipolar Disorder: Suicide Risks

Studies have shown that 25 to 50 percent of people with bipolar disorder (manic depression) attempt suicide. This means that bipolar disorder often ends in an early death. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder should be considered an urgent matter.

For those with bipolar disorder, suicide is a serious problem. Most people who suffer from bipolar disorder who attempt suicide do so after the onset of the disorder.

The National Mental Health Association reports that 30%-70% of suicide victims have suffered from a form of depression. This is a huge number of people who are suffering! Men commit almost 75% of suicides, even though twice as many women attempt it.

If you or someone you know is at risk for suicide — and has shown warning signs — do not leave them alone. Seek the help of a health care professional right away. People often talk about suicide before they attempt it, so pay close attention to what they are saying and take them seriously.

Some warning signs of bipolar disorder suicide include:

Talking about suicide
Always talking or thinking about death
Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
Saying things like “It would be better if I wasn’t here” or “I want out”
Worsening depression
A sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
Having a “death wish,” tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, like driving through red lights
Losing interest in things one used to care about
Visiting or calling people one cares about
Putting affairs in order, tying up lose ends, changing a will.

If someone you know is exhibiting these warning signs, do not take it lightly. Get them to a doctor immediately for help. Write down all the warning signs that the person is showing, make a list and take it to their doctor. This will help you to explain yourself more clearly and will give the doctor a clearer perspective.