Bipolar Disorder, Self-Injury and Suicide

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that affects about 2.6% of the US population who are 18 and older. That means more than 5.7 million Americans are afflicted with bipolar disorder. Also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder exhibits itself in a pattern of shifting moods, with periods of emotional highs (known as mania) and lows (known as depression). People who are in a manic state may experience extreme euphoria, delusions, hyperactivity, decreased inhibition, increased sex drive, unrealistic optimism or self-confidence, avoidance of sleep, heightened aggressiveness, and reckless behavior. When they are in a depressive state, they may experience a persistent state of sorrow, a sense of despair, loss of motivation and appetite, fatigue, lethargy, lack of interest in normal activities (including sex), and recurrent thoughts of death and suicide.

Suicidal feelings in bipolar persons can cause them to attempts to injure or kill themselves. When someone you know is in such a state, it is not enough to distract them. Somehow you have to urge them to seek professional care, particularly from a mental health specialist. Do not dismiss comments or actions that indicate a person is contemplating suicide. There is a greater risk that a person will attempt suicide in the early stages of bipolar disorder--possibly before it has even been diagnosed. Therefore even if the person is not yet known for being bipolar, the possibility of suicide may be very real.

There are a number of signs you should look out for to tell if someone may be suicidal:

- The person talks about being suicidal or wanting to die - The person evinces unrelenting despair and helplessness - The person feels like a burden to friends and family - The person takes steps to prepare for death, such as giving away treasured possessions - The person writes a suicide note

Sometimes the bipolar person does not showcase the usual signs of being suicidal. Acts of self-injury and suicide may take place on pure impulse, without any prior planning made. The only way to avoid such a thing from happening is to make sure that a bipolar person gets the proper care and treatment, and continues taking medication.

Bipolar Ii Disorder In Teens And Young Adults
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Children Can Also Suffer From Bipolar Disorder
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Understanding People Who Have Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
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How To Recognize The Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder
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