People with bipolar disorder are about three times as likely to commit suicide as those suffering from major depression (12% to 30%). Although many people with bipolar disorder who attempt suicide never actually complete it, the annual average suicide rate in males and females with diagnosed bipolar disorder (0.4%) is 10 to more than 20 times that in the general population
Individuals with bipolar disorder tend to become suicidal, especially during mixed states such as dysphoric hypomania and agitated depression.
Suicidal symptoms include:
Talking about feeling suicidal or wanting to die
Feeling helpless and hopeless
Feeling like a burden to family and friends
Feeling one has no purpose
Worrying about death and dying
Having visions of oneself dead
Abusing alcohol or drugs
Putting affairs in order (for example, paying debts) or giving away possessions to prepare for one's death
A person with these symptoms (or anyone providing assistance to them) could do the following:
Call the person's doctor, emergency room, or the emergency telephone number right away to get immediate help
Make sure the suicidal person is not left alone
Make sure access to large amounts of medication, weapons, or other items that could be used, is taken away.