There is no cure for this illness; likewise, no cure for depression or any other side of BP. Yes, those who suffer have to help them selves. But in the same way, it takes a truely wonderful person to stand by them during the worst moments of the episode. Medications can only go so far for some people, and even fail for those who unlucky to not have found the right cocktail, or those who are still trying to find that "perfect combo." Those of us who are unmedicated accept the risks and the responsibility to seek help when needed, and fight the good fight to stay alive, and ride out the episode. It's a reoccurring thing, and will never go away; it can get easier or better if the person wants it to.

It's true you can't make a person do something; I have tried for many years to get my sisters to quit smoking, or even though I wanted the cycles to stop, it wasn't until last year when I sought professional help. I did therapy in high school, and left because i was too weak to continue. He lost my trust, so I quit going; but i pulled out on my own afterwards, so I figured what the hell; i was fine afterall.

The downswings will haunt the sufferer until there is nothing left, and, yes, many die from it. But no one has to.

I am not too sure what you're trying to achieve here besides a shout-out to those who help the sufferers, or to the sufferers them selves. It sounds like you have all the answers you need.