Quote:
Originally Posted by Vigodits
Over the years I have heard that there is a decreased life expectancy of those with BD. What was never made clear was, what effected this. Is it that something metabolical happens or is the average weighted because of the incidence of suicide? Just curious.
|
I do believe it is a suicidal cause. I think that the statistic is something like 30% of people with un-treated bipolar succeed at suicide, or the suicide success rate among people with bipolar is 30% higher than the not-bipolar population. Or something like that. I know 30% is the number, though.
The thing to remember about suicidal thoughts is that they are a
symptom, not an illness. Suicidal thoughts are like a fever. The fever isn't the illness, it's the sign of illness. But you can still die from the fever itself it is too high or too long. Suicidal thoughts can be stopped, they are temporary, and are the big red warning sign to get help.
Despite not being in treatment now, I have learned to battle them. I have been through hell learning how to fight the war, but I have come to a place where I do not have them any more. This is a huge accomplishment for me. I used to have them constantly. Anythign bad happened, I would think suicidal thoughts. Even when things were good, they would come up. But, at the same time, I remain vigilant against them. I know they can creep up from behind. I am a huge advocate against suicide because I have been in that dark hole for most of my life. I
know they can be fought, I
know they can be overcome, I
know they are the lie in your head. I also know they are
incredibly dangerous and I do not take it lightly when people threaten.
And I do not take it lightly when people actually do use it to "get attention" because of them, those of us who struggle with real suicidal thoughts get 0 help from anyone. There is that stupid, "If you were really going to commit suicide you wouldn't tell anyone." What does that tell someone? That if in your last ditch effort you confess, and they say that to you? That's light going up to someone and saying, "I've been shot." And they say, "You're just trying to get attention. If you were really shot you would just go to the ER."
One of my friends in high school, her brother isn't here today because of that attitude of the world.
So, I'm a huge advocate for helping people regardless of their intent. I don't take it lightly. If you tell me you're on the edge, I will try to talk you down.