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