How to Recognize a Suicidal Bipolar Patient

How to Recognize a Suicidal Bipolar Patient Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Depression Print Warning Signs to Be Aware of in Suicidal Bipolar Patients By Kimberly Read Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on January 12, 2020 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD on January 12, 2020 Bipolar Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Your Rights Peter Glass Collection / Getty Images Information presented in this article may be triggering to some people. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911 immediately. What are the warning signs for suicide, the red flags that tell you to worry? If you or anyone you know is living with bipolar disorder or depression, or even if not, please keep reading. The Link Between Bipolar Disorder and Suicide Risk It can be scary to watch someone display any of the warning signs of suicide, but recognizing these red flags before there may be a problem, especially in cases of adults or teens with bipolar disorder is best. It is estimated that nearly 30% of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder will attempt suicide at least once in their lives.?? The suicide rate for people with bipolar disorder is twenty times that of the general population. These numbers are even more frightening when we consider the average suicide risk in the general population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that suicide was the eighth-ranked cause of death in the United States.?? It was the third leading cause of death for those ages 10-24 and the second leading cause for ages 25-34. Multiply these numbers by the increase seen with bipolar disorder and its even more clear why understanding the indicators below is so important. The subject of suicide is not something we can ignore. We should all be aware of the risk factors for suicide, whether or not a person has bipolar disorder. Every single one of us needs to know the warnings signs, the red flags of despair, so we may be prepared to help a friend or loved one in crisis, and be prepared to hear their cry for help. In younger people, we need to be familiar with the warning signs of suicide in teens, as some of these may be dismissed as ordinary teen angst. We also need to know where and how to seek help if we experience suicidal thoughts ourselves. Even the most emotionally healthy individuals on the planet sometimes experience the despair that can lead to suicide. Red Flags for Suicide We have organized these red flags for suicide into broad categories of symptoms for easier reference.?? Situational Indicators Loss of a relationship via rejection or separationDeath of a loved oneDiagnosis of a terminal illnessLoss of financial securityA change in physical appearanceLoss of employment or a new jobLoss of self-esteemAbuse (emotional, physical, or sexual) Emotional Indicators DepressionHopelessnessHelplessness Common Behavioral Indicators of Suicidal People Acquiring a weaponHoarding medicationPutting affairs in orderMaking or changing a willIncreased interest in suicideGiving away personal belongingsMending grievancesChecking on insurance policiesWithdrawing from people Common Verbal Indicators of Suicidal People Straightforward comments, such as:I wish I were deadI wish I had the nerve to kill myself.I wish I could die in my sleep.If it werent for my kids, my husband...I would commit suicide.Hints such as:I hate life.Why do I bother?I cant take it anymore.Nothing matters anymore. You Never Can Tell, So Be Vigilant The old adage better safe than sorry was never more correct than when it comes to monitoring friends and family members for signs of suicidal thoughts. Unfortunately, these signs are not proof positive that someone is considering suicide. Furthermore, any number of these signs could be evident, but the person may not have given much thought about taking their own life. The reverse is also true. A person may give no warning at all of an impending suicide attempt. So how do you know for sure? Ask About Suicidal Thoughts Ask. Yes, ask! Many people faced with seeing a red flag find themselves afraid to ask the important question. A common and unfortunate suicide myth is that asking about suicidal thoughts will increase the risk of suicide. This is simply not true. Be open to discussing this difficult subject with your loved one and be vigilant and take these signs seriously. It could save a life. Read up on tips on talking to a teen threatening suicide, which can be just as helpful when talking to an adult as well. Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and Suicide Weve shared the frightening statistics about bipolar disorder and suicide. Its also frightening to know that roughly half of the people who attempt suicide are clinically depressed.?? In this day and age, there are so many new treatments and so much hope for people coping with mental illness, but only if they can survive and receive treatment. If youve been coping with bipolar disorder or depression, get help. Its also a good idea to take the time to ?create a suicide safety plan.