Bipolar Disorder: Suicide and Bipolar Disorder

People with bipolar disorder are at great risk for suicide if they are not getting treatment. The National Mental Health Association reports that 30%-70% of suicide victims have suffered from a form of depression. Men commit almost 75% of suicides, even though twice as many women attempt it.

Risk factors for suicide include:

• Having mental and substance abuse disorders
• Family history of mental or substance abuse disorder
• Having attempted suicide previously
• Having a family history of physical or sexual abuse
• Having family members or friends who have attempted suicide
• Keeping a firearm in the home

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.

Some warning signs of suicide:

• 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

Call 911 or other emergency services if you:

• Think you cannot stop from harming yourself
• Hear voices
• Want to commit suicide
• You know someone who has mentioned wanting to commit suicide

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology.