Bipolar Disorder - Warning Signs of Suicidal Behavior

Some people with bipolar disorder become suicidal. Risk for suicide appears to be higher earlier in the course of the illness. Therefore, recognizing bipolar disorder early and learning how best to manage it may decrease the risk of death by suicide.

Anyone who is thinking about committing suicide needs immediate attention, preferably from a mental health professional or a physician. Anyone who talks about suicide should be taken seriously.

Symptoms that may accompany suicidal feelings include:

• Talking about feeling suicidal or wanting to die
• Feeling hopeless, that nothing will ever change or get better
• Feeling helpless, that nothing one does makes any difference
• Feeling like a burden to family and friends
• Abusing alcohol or drugs
• Putting affairs in order (e.g., organizing finances or giving away possessions to prepare for one's death)
• Writing a suicide note
• Putting oneself in harm's way, or in situations where there is a danger of being killed