People with bipolar disorder are at an increased risk for suicide. Someone with bipolar disorder who is severely depressed, may also become suicidal, as they sometimes hear their voices urging them to commit suicide.

According to the National Mental Health Association, 30%-70% of suicide victims have suffered from a form of depression. Men contribute to 75% of suicides, even though twice as many women attempt it. Risk for suicide appears to be higher earlier in the course of the depression. Hence recognizing bipolar disorder early and learning how to manage it, is key to decreasing the risk of suicide by patients.

If you know that someone has bipolar disorder, you must understand that there are usually risk factors for

suicide. And these risk factors include having a substance abuse problem, a previous suicide attempt, having a family history of physical or sexual abuse, having family members or friends who have attempted suicide, and keeping a firearm in the home.

If someone you know is at risk for suicide and has shown warning signs, please do not leave them alone. Seek the help of a mental healthcare professional right away. It is common that people often talk about their thought of suicide before they even attempt it, so pay close attention to what they are trying to tell you.

While some suicide attempts are carefully planned over time, others are impulsive acts that have not been well thought out. Either

way, it is important to understand that suicidal feelings and actions are symptoms of an illness that can be treated. Suicidal thoughts and feelings can be overcome with proper treatment and suicides can be prevented if you pay attention listening to these people.

People with bipolar disorder may become overwhelmed with suicidal ideation during a depressive episode. If you know someone who is depressed, you should watch for warning signs of an impending suicide. Some warning signs of suicide are talking about suicide or having a wish to die, 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,” having a

death wish or engaging in extremely risky behavior, a loss of interest in things they used to care deeply about, visiting people they care about, writing or changing a will, or worsening depression.

The depressed person may have a sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy. However do not assume that this means that the person is better. Most of the time it appear to be the opposite, they are not okay. Most of the time, they may have made and accepted plans to commit suicide and have some sense of peace with these plans.

A potential suicide attempt is an emergency. Call 911 if you feel unable to stop yourself from

harming yourself or if you have a desire to commit suicide. Call 911 if you hear voices. Call 911 if someone you know mentions wanting to commit suicide. Calling 911, may be your best option, because bipolar disorder and depression are serious conditions. If there is a potential risk of suicide, it is better to call emergency services and let healthcare professionals determine if there is a danger of suicide.

Moses Wright is the founder of [http://www.manic-depression.net/]Bipolar Disorder. He provides more useful information on; [http://www.manic-depression.net/bipolar/]What Is Bipolar Disorder and [http://www.manic-depression.net/depressive/]Life Of Bipolar Manic Depressive Disorder on his website. Webmasters are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.