I know the pain that goes along with seeing someone you love have their life fall apart and you are standing there with your arms tied behind your back unable to do a single thing (I am a similar situation living a state away from my mother who has bipolar adn going through an episode). Having a loved one with bipolar seems like a never ending spiral downward, but it does get better! All you can really do is take it on day at a time. Some days seem like a disastor and you just want it to end but other days are better. Try and cherish those days where your son makes you smile or laugh! The beginning is the worst because you have never dealt with a situation like this before, although you have dealt with some hard ones including a child with Down's syndrome. I know it sounds cliche when people say take care of yourself since that is the last thing on your mind. It is important though becuase your son wouldnt want to lose you!