Buddy,

Being so far away from a family member in trouble must be worrisome and frustrating.  If you can talk to him, you can try to reason with him and ask him what he can do now to prevent being hospitalized or what he thinks he may have done different, now that he is older and has more experienced.  You may also try to notify others, that will help him, who live near him.  It is best to try to reason with him without telling him what he needs or must do.  Try to get him to make that decision for himself if possible.

He may be too irrational to recognize his feelings of well-being are really due to his illness and that he needs to seek help.  If he engages in any behavior that is a danger to himself or others or begins to talk about harming himself or others, those that are around him should be instructed to call the police, also notifying them that he has Bipolar Disorder.  I know you or others, that may be concerned, do not want to see him hospitalized but if he refuses to get treatment and he progresses to this point, it may be the only option.

Buddy

7/ 2/09 1:06pm

Thanks for your reply.  Your common sense approach is helpful.  I have a tendency to want to tell him what to do.  I will try to steer him to a helpful direction.  Thanks for taking the time.