[Moose72]

So they say bipolars die earlier than non-bipolars. Not just because of the suicide risk but in general. Does this scare you? I find myself wanting to die when anxious or depressed but later scared of dying early (now) from medical conditions.

[Wander]

I’ve heard stats like that to but not the explanation as to why. Will have to look up some peer reviewed studies on this as I’m curious too. It’s funny how it feels like a relief some days and frightening the next as usually my goal is to make it to 100 years at least.

[Teddy Bear]

I just think that the years we lose are the nursing home years. Keeps me positive

[Wander]

A study was done in Sweden and BP patients died on average 9 years before nonB P patients. The BP patients died more often of strokes, heart disease, suicide(they included that unfortunately) and long term use of some medications.

Study is called ‘Several Factors Linked to Premature Deaths in Bipolar Patiients’ by Joan Arehart-Treichek.

Oddly enough woman killed them selves at higher rates than men which is very different with other illnesses. Anyway, it’s on google if you want to read it.

[Unrigged64072835]

It's not dying that bothers me so much. My parents died early from cancer, and my mom's side of the family has a bunch of relatives who died early from cancer. My dad and his dad both had type 2 diabetes, and I've had that for a while. My weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol are all high due to weight gain and other side effects. Every day that I'm living is a good day.

I think what bothers me more is that my dad's mom is in her nineties with worsening bipolar and Alzheimer's, living in a nursing home. Living that long while losing my mind would concern me.

My parents died at 40 and 43. I live my life like there is no tomorrow. If I die young that's okay because I've done awesome things. I don't worry about that which I can not change. PS: can you tell my depression and anxiety are well managed at the moment? Lol.

[tecomsin]

After I quit smoking in the summer of 2015 I got a bunch of health checks to make sure I was ok. One of these was a chest xray, which indicated lung cancer. (I had no symptoms not even a cough.)

After a long wait (socialized medicine) in Canada I finally had surgery and then chemo. I got lung cancer because I smoked for 35 years not because i have bipolar or schizoaffective disorder.

A lot of people with bipolar disorder smoke, drink to excess and/or use illegal drugs in harmful ways. Add that to the adverse effects of long term medications, poor diet, inactivity and suicide so it is not that surprising that you can end up with a difference
in life expectancy.

There may be an increased risk of early death just from having bipolar but I don't see how it could be disentangled from the adjustable risks including smoking.

Editted to add: people with bipolar are also more likely to end up homeless or in prison, both of which decrease life expectancy.

Originally Posted by Moose72

So they say bipolars die earlier than non-bipolars. Not just because of the suicide risk but in general. Does this scare you? I find myself wanting to die when anxious or depressed but later scared of dying early (now) from medical conditions.

the thought of dying to a big age like 100 scares the **** out of me.

I feel sick to my stomach.. I would hate to live that long.

plus- how much earlier is "early?"

these days, their's so many advances in medical science, that in some contexts- 100 is early (their's a girl in italy who is 116, oldest woman alive!)

Possible trigger:

but for me it's important to die young

when I've thought about suicide (and acted on it), I think part of it's probably because I'm in control, I know when I'm going, and that for me is important.

I do worry about not knowing

I do want to know

I only want to outlive my dog and die before my benefits run out. That's 65. Fourteen more years. My doctor says he can tell from my good cholesterol profile that i have my mom's genes and she lived to 70 but was sick with COPD the last ten years of her life and died miserable. My dad died at 55 of a heart attack. Interestingly enough, he died in church. If you have to die, church is a good place for it! You're not far from Heaven! Hugs, Jane.

I would like the statistic on bipolar only, no substance abuse, no borderline, no other MI dx, no suicide.

I’m not afraid of dying; I’m more afraid of being so miserable I can’t stand to live.

I want to see my daughter through to becoming independent and living happily with a family of her own. I just don’t want to be miserable waiting for this to happen.

[Under*Over]

No. Im not afraid of dying. Not really.

I could explain this more but I dont really want to.

[downandlonely]

Dying seems scary sometimes and at others seems like a relief.

[SorryShaped]

I don't fear death. It will happen. I accept that. I'm not wanting it, but it will happen. I try to live as if each day could be my last, with as clear a conscience as possible by doing the right things.

If I went tomorrow, it would be with a smile on my face. I am just done here.

ps: it is just so freeing to say what is exactly on my mind! I like this site.

I just fear outliving my husband, who is 12.5 years older than me.

I don't fear death

Possible trigger:

I think of death as a release from pain

but I fear being helpless and in pain for an extended period of time prior to dying. I really need to complete my living will.

Possible trigger:

I never want to be on a breathing machine again!

[scatterbrained04]

I'm pretty much like you, Moose. Suicidal when depressed but afraid of dying from a medical issue otherwise. Funny how that works.

Originally Posted by downandlonely

Dying seems scary sometimes and at others seems like a relief.

I totally know what you mean by that

(((((hugs))))

[pirilin]

You will never die a day earlier.