Trigger Warning – Bipolar and Suicidal Ideation

TW: This blog contains material which may be triggering to some people.

Suicidal ideation is suffering with thoughts of suicide and taking your own life. It can be a symptom of bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. However, it can be experienced by those without a bipolar, or any other, mental health diagnosis.

People with bipolar disorder have a much higher risk of suicidal ideation and taking their own life than the general population. With 25% – 50% of bipolar patients having attempted to take their own life at least once.

Early intervention and the right support are key to preventing suicide.

The Statistics

In the U.K we are facing a national emergency with suicides on the rise. This is especially true for men. Suicides among young people are also on the rise. With roughly 5 teenagers taking their own lives every day. Suicide is the main cause of death for people under 35.

Three-quarters of suicide victims are male. Roughly over 100 men kill themselves a day in the U.K.

Men age 45-49 are at most risk.

In America studies have shown that at least 20% of high school students have had serious thoughts about taking their own lives.

On average 5% of female bipolar patients die by suicide and 8% of male patients. Women are more likely to attempt suicide but males are more likely to be successful.

There are two categories of suicidal ideation:

Passive: Wishing you were dead or having intrusive thoughts about suicide and ending your life, without making any plans.

Active: Having thoughts of suicide and having the intent to take ones life whilst making plans to do so.

Always take suicidal ideation seriously. Both types are dangerous, requiring intervention and support.

Symptoms and Warning Signs:

Isolating oneself
Thoughts and feelings of hopelessness
Increased anxiety
Giving away possessions and making goodbyes.
Talking about death and suicide
Increase in the severity and numbers of mood swings.
Increase in rage and irritability
Increase in risk taking and drug and alcohol misuse.

Causes – Risk factors

Having a mental-health condition
Experience of trauma and PTSD
Previous suicide attempts
Childhood abuse
Drug and alcohol abuse
Isolation and loneliness
Family history of suicide
Chronic physical disorder
Suffering chronic pain
Relationship breakdown
Pressure at work or home – chronic stress
Job loss and unemployment
Poverty
Debt and financial difficulties

Interventions

If you are concerned about someone committing suicide – Ask them. Seek help and keep them safe.
If you are suffering with suicidal thoughts – Tell someone. A friend, family member, health professional or a support service such as Samaritans
Seek professional help from your doctor or mental health team.
Talk – I find saying things out loud changes my perspective on my thoughts.
Remember feelings and mood episodes are temporary
Take care of yourself – sleep, eat healthy, exercise, take your meds and use less substances that alter your mood
Remove items that could be used to cause oneself harm and be somewhere safe if you can

Management and Coping Skills

Identify Triggers and early warning signs
Create a suicide safety action plan
Counselling or psychotherapy
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) had been very effective in treating my suicidal ideation and teaching me coping skills
Having a trusted support system
Maintain a healthy lifestyle and take care of yourself
Meditation, mindfulness and breathing techniques
Find ways to relax that work for you
Learn to reframe your thoughts and problem solve to cope with intrusive thoughts