Ask If They're Suicidal
"It won't put ideas in their heads" Read More
People who had high anxiety levels made more suicide attempts than other people with bipolar disorder and also were more likely to succeed in their attempts to kill themselves.
If you have bipolar disorder, call 911 or other emergency services if you:
Warning signs of suicide include:
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting may be enough if a mood episode has just started and you are taking proper medications. If your mood episode has not improved within 2 weeks, call your doctor.
If you have a loved one who is experiencing a manic episode and is behaving irrationally, help the person seek treatment.
- Think you cannot stop from harming yourself or someone else.
- Hear voices that are new or more upsetting than normal.
- Want to commit suicide, or you know someone who has mentioned wanting to commit suicide.
Warning signs of suicide include:
- Use of illegal drugs or drinking alcohol heavily.
- Talking, writing, or drawing about death, including writing suicide notes and speaking of items that can cause physical harm, such as pills, guns, or knives.
- Spending long periods of time alone.
- Giving away possessions.
- Acting aggressive or suddenly appearing calm.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting may be enough if a mood episode has just started and you are taking proper medications. If your mood episode has not improved within 2 weeks, call your doctor.
If you have a loved one who is experiencing a manic episode and is behaving irrationally, help the person seek treatment.
Last Updated: March 14, 2008 
