What are warning signs of suicide in people with bipolar disorder?

All of us would like to know of any warning signs that a suicide attempt is imminent in people with bipolar disorder. The answer is sometimes there are, but sometimes the suicide occurs in a severe mixed state that occurs suddenly, and friends may have no way of seeing it coming. The warning signs that can tip one off are several, including talk of suicide or death, or just references to death. The individual may "put their affairs in order" by giving things away, updating a will, going through the garage full of stuff, and doing the things that would make it easier on those they leave behind. Acquiring information online about how to commit suicide or researching materials to help one commit suicide are of course major red flags. Rehearsal, in the form of visiting the place one plans to commit suicide, tying a rope, or dry firing a gun, are all serious red flags as well.