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If you’re thinking about suicide:
- Call 911 to get help immediately before you act on those thoughts.
- Talk with your doctor or counselor.
- Don’t stay alone. Join a friend or family member who can watch out for you and tell them not to leave you alone.
- Call the National Hopeline Network at 1 (800) SUICIDE, 1 (800) 784-2433, or check your phone book for a local crisis hotline if you need someone to talk to.
Suicide is a serious risk for people with bipolar disorder. By learning more about suicide, you’ll be taking an active step in understanding more about your illness.
Here are some facts about bipolar disorder and suicide:
- Most suicide attempts occur during a depressed or mixed episode.
- Suicide may also occur during an episode of mania, or when a person is going into or coming out of depression or mania. This can happen even if he or she seems to be feeling better.
- About one quarter to one half of the people with bipolar disorder try to commit suicide at least once.
- Nearly one in five people with bipolar disorder commits suicide.
- People with bipolar disorder who misuse alcohol or drugs have an increased risk of suicide.
Considering suicide means you need to get help to control your bipolar disorder symptoms.
Understanding suicidal thoughts
It’s important to know that suicidal thoughts can be symptoms of an illness—not “who you are.”
Suicidal thinking is usually a sign that you need to get help. Suicidal thoughts may not just go away on their own. The right treatment can help people with bipolar disorder feel better.
Other things you may find helpful:
- Get treatment and stay with it. The right treatment can help people with bipolar disorder get better. Going to your doctor and counselor, taking your medicines, understanding your symptoms, and taking good care of yourself are all parts of taking an active role in your treatment.
- Find someone you can talk with openly about your feelings, thoughts, and reactions when you are depressed. Other than your doctor or counselor, you might talk with your trusted family members, friends, or clergy.
- Don’t use street drugs and alcohol. Death by suicide can result from sudden, uncontrolled impulses. It is important to avoid anything that contributes to these impulses.
- Learn to recognize your warning signs of changing moods. Warning signs may be different for different people. Over time, you may be able to learn how to be sensitive to them, instead of becoming angry or disgusted with yourself. Using a Mood Chart may help.
- Connect with other people. It may seem difficult to do, but social time with others may help you feel better.
- Participate in productive, enjoyable activities. Getting involved in meaningful activities may help your mood.
- Do something physical. Physical activities may have a positive effect on your mood and help you feel better. Remember to first ask your doctor before starting any exercise program.
- Keep a journal of your thoughts. Some people find it helpful to keep a journal.
This is general information only. Please call your doctor or counselor for additional information.
Also of Interest
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