 [ Symptoms ] how real is the threat of suicide in bipolar disorder    and what can be done to reduce the risk [ Disease ] the threat of suicide among patients with bipolar disorder is very real    and it can occur during either the depressive or the manic state stress as well as personal traumatic events can also increase the risk up to 15 of people with bipolar disorder are successful in their suicide attempts    and many more try although treatment reduces risks friends and family members should be on the lookout for signs of impending suicide these include talking about suicide or death writing a suicide note talking about feelings of hopelessness abusing drugs or alcohol participating in life threatening activities during a crisis do not leave a person with bipolar disorder alone and remove car keys weapons or large amounts of medication call 911 for assistance