Bipolar Disorder Signs

There are many situations which can trigger a bipolar disorder episode. In general, the ‘depth’ of this depressive episode will be dictated by the severity of the situational blow that the individual suffers, and it is the ‘depth’ of depression that dictates the likelihood of a suicide attempt being made. For example, if a loved one dies or a long-term relationship breaks up at a time of depression, this could very quickly throw someone into abject despair, pushing them to a level where suicide becomes a logical choice.

Verbal signs: If someone who is already depressed starts saying things like ‘I wish I were dead’ or ‘What’s the point or carrying on?’ you should take that as a strong indication that suicide is something they are considering. Sometimes the verbal sign will be obvious (as in the first example above), and less obvious at other times (example two), but be on the lookout for spoken signs such as these.

Emotional lows: Some verbal signs will indicate that a bipolar sufferer has reached an emotional low from which they don’t think they can bounce back, despair, hopelessness or helplessness being examples. Be sure to listen carefully for any hints that this is the way someone feels.

Changes in behavior: Behavioral changes that might indicate an increased propensity to take their own life might be obvious or less obvious. For example, if someone buys a weapon, it is a very obvious sign, but be wary if they start checking that their affairs are in order or that the insurance policies are fully paid up to date.

On the bounce: It is generally accepted that when someone is climbing out of a bout of depression, it becomes far more likely that they will consider suicide.

One possible reason for this is the fact that as the depression lifts, they have more energy than they have had for some time, (enough energy to carry the deed through), or perhaps it has something to do with the fact that having made their decision, they are completely accepting of and comfortable with the situation. Whatever the reason, this is a time to be on very observant and diligent ‘suicide watch’.

Mixed bipolar disorder states

A mixed bipolar episode is one where the individual concerned suffers both manic and depressive episodes very close together, or even at the same time. Although the aforementioned DSM-IV contains a very strict (and narrow) definition of what a mixed bipolar state is, most medical professionals accept that there are many other ‘degrees’ of mixed state that are not covered by the definition.

For example, the respected bipolar researcher Hagop Akiskal M.D presented a clinical paper to the American Psychiatric Association that suggested that mania with only a few depressive indicators represents the most common mixed bipolar state.