What’s the Connection Between Bipolar Disorder and Suicide?
Important Takeaways
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People with bipolar disorder face a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly during severe depressive episodes and in the early years following a diagnosis. That makes consistent treatment and strong support essential.
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Most people with bipolar disorder who die by suicide aren’t receiving treatment. Getting and staying connected to professional care is one of the most important steps toward staying safe.
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Bipolar disorder is treatable, and suicide is preventable. Knowing the warning signs, creating a safety plan, and leaning on a support system can save lives.
By Lauren Krouse
Many health conditions can become life-threatening if they’re not treated properly or symptoms get worse, and bipolar disorder is no different. People with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of struggling with alcohol or drugs, self-injury, thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts, and dying by suicide.
If you’re worried someone is in immediate danger, listen to your gut, don’t leave them alone, and ask them whether they’re thinking about suicide.
If you or someone you know needs help right now:
- Text “HOME (or HOLA)” to 741741 (Crisis Text Line) for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor any time of day.
- Text or call 988, or use the chat function at 988Lifeline.org.
Nearly a third of adolescents with bipolar disorder have attempted suicide, and most people with bipolar disorder who die by suicide are not getting treatment.
Not everyone with bipolar disorder will face these struggles, but it’s important to get the professional support you need and plan ahead to stay safe.
Why Do People with Bipolar Disorder Have a Higher Risk of Suicide?
Bipolar disorder can cause intense highs and lows, as well as a mix of these extremes, all at once. When you’re living with bipolar disorder and your mood dips, your lows can become especially low, which can lead to a higher risk of suicide.
Manic episodes—when you’re feeling super high, prone to taking risks, or seeing or believing things that aren’t real—can also lead to a risk of accidentally hurting yourself.
Researchers believe a handful of things may increase your risk of suicide while living with bipolar disorder. These include:
- Previous suicide attempts
- A family history of suicide
- Being in the early years of a diagnosis
- Being under the age of 35
- Having a severe depressive episode
- Leaving bipolar disorder untreated
- Having other mental health conditions, as well, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or personality disorders
- Struggles with drugs or alcohol
The time immediately after being released from the hospital or admitted into the hospital for psychiatric reasons, like a depressive episode or attempted suicide, is also linked to a much higher risk of suicide.
What Can You Do About Bipolar Disorder and Suicide Risk?
Just as we know there are risk factors for suicide when you’re living with bipolar disorder, we also know there are many ways you can stay safe.
- Get treatment for bipolar disorder and stick with it. The majority of people with bipolar disorder who have died by suicide weren’t getting the support and treatment they needed, and treatment can make a huge difference. One medication called lithium can effectively lower suicide risk.
- Lean on family and loved ones. Social support can keep you accountable, help you stay on track, and be another set of eyes and ears when it comes to noticing it’s time for you to get more help.
- Use coping strategies. Figuring out how your symptoms affect you and how to manage them is key, too. Learn more about how to get help and manage bipolar disorder.
- Stay connected with your health care providers during high-risk times. Since there’s a heightened risk for suicide after being released from the hospital, it’s especially important to stay in touch with your health care providers during this time with regular check-ins and appointments.
Remember: Bipolar Disorder Is Treatable, and Suicide Is Preventable
The link between bipolar disorder and a higher suicide risk is serious, but there’s a lot that you can do about it. Sticking with treatment, creating a safety plan, and knowing the warning signs of suicide could help save a life—yours or someone else’s.
If you or someone you love needs help right now:
- Text “HOME” to 741741 (Crisis Text Line) for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor any time of day.
- Text or call 988, or use the chat function at 988Lifeline.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does bipolar disorder increase the risk of suicide?
Bipolar disorder causes intense mood swings between extreme highs and very deep lows. During depressive episodes, the lows can become severe enough to lead to suicidal thoughts. Manic episodes can also increase risk through impulsive, reckless behavior. Other factors that raise risk include a previous suicide attempt, a family history of suicide, being in the early years of a diagnosis, leaving bipolar disorder untreated, and having co-occurring conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or substance use issues. Learn more about bipolar disorder.
Does everyone with bipolar disorder have suicidal thoughts?
No. Not everyone with bipolar disorder will experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The elevated risk is real, but it’s also manageable — especially with consistent treatment. What matters most is having professional support in place, knowing your warning signs, and having a plan for what to do when things get hard. Bipolar disorder is a treatable condition, and many people live full, stable lives with the right care.
What are the warning signs that someone with bipolar disorder may be at risk?
Warning signs include a severe depressive episode, increasing isolation, reckless or dangerous behavior, increased drug or alcohol use, talking about feeling like a burden, and a sudden, unexplained calm after a period of distress. It’s also important to know that the period immediately after a hospitalization for psychiatric reasons carries a heightened risk. Staying closely connected to care during this time is critical. Learn more about the warning signs of suicide.
How can treatment help reduce suicide risk in bipolar disorder?
Treatment is the most important protective factor. Most people with bipolar disorder who die by suicide aren’t receiving treatment at the time. Getting connected to a mental health professional, finding the right medication plan, and sticking with it consistently can make a difference. Some medications used in bipolar treatment have been shown specifically to lower suicide risk. Treatment also helps people recognize their patterns, develop coping strategies, and build a safety net before a crisis occurs.
What is a safety plan, and why is it important for someone with bipolar disorder?
A safety plan is a personalized document created with a therapist or trusted adult that lists the people you can call, crisis resources you can reach, coping strategies that help, and things that give you hope — all in one place so you can access it quickly when things get hard. If you’re living with bipolar disorder, having a safety plan ready before a crisis happens is one of the most practical things you can do to protect yourself. Learn how to create a suicide safety plan.
How can I help someone with bipolar disorder who I’m worried about?
Stay close. Check in regularly, not just during hard times. If you notice warning signs — increasing withdrawal, reckless behavior, or talk of feeling hopeless or like a burden — trust your instincts and ask them directly how they’re doing. Encouraging them to stay connected to their treatment team, especially after a hospitalization, can be lifesaving. You don’t need to have the right words; showing up and listening matter most. Get tips on how to help a friend who may be feeling suicidal.
What should I do if I’m having suicidal thoughts related to my bipolar disorder right now?
Reach out to your treatment team, a trusted adult, or a crisis resource immediately. You don’t have to manage this alone. Learn more about suicidal thoughts and how to get help. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, text, call, or chat 988, or text HOME (or HOLA) to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
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