I know at times it seems impossible for a loved one or significant other to possibly hold up one more day, especially through a very bad episode of bipolar illness. However, the most important thing, IMO, that a loved one or significant other can do is simply NOT GIVE UP. NO MATTER HOW DIFFICULT IT IS even if they have to maintain silence in order to do this or withdraw into another room or ask for a small amount of time to themselves, DO NOT CRITICIZE OR SAY TO THE BIPOLAR PERSON "I CANNOT TAKE THIS ANYMORE, I AM DONE". If we have no one left who cares, if we have no one left who is on our side, we have nothing. For me, when my loved one turns on me, that's when my world becomes unbearable. I have no reason to live. And everything turns from somewhat tolerable to intolerable. To have just one person who cares makes all the difference.