I think the email response sounds fine...I would only add that you start with saying that you understand that she said she wanted some time apart...hopefully this will help to validate what she states as her needs at this time.

I've made impulsive decisions regarding relationships when hypomanic or depressed; in most cases I did regret it later but very few people gave me a second chance (although most of that was before I was diagnosed, so I couldn't explain why I had been so...uh..."odd").

As far as how long a mood swing can last...some people cycle more rapidly than others. I've had cycles that lasted several months before I was on the right combo of meds, and I've had times where I cycled between hypomania and depression in the same day. I do know that now that I am on a good combo of meds, my cycles happen less frequently, aren't usually as severe, and don't last as long.

I do hope she decides to get the help she needs, but you should know that even once someone does start treatment, it can take awhile to find the right combination of meds. And sometimes the meds will work for awhile and then stop working and we have to find a new combination. It can still be hard to be with someone with bipolar even when they are seeking treatment, but if they are truly commited to "recovery" (I put that in quotes because there is no cure, but it is possible to get to a point where the mood swings are less severe and less often), it makes it easier to help them.

Again, I wish you and your g/f the best!

I am pretty sure the 10 things people need to know that I posted is from Julie Fast, she has a great website here: http://www.bipolarhappens.com/ She has books available for people who have loved ones with bipolar.