Rhapsody stated: "I have to agree that all in all EVERYONE is responsible for their own actions, rather they are dealing with mental illness, PMS, PMDD or day to day stress.... when I went through a mental breakdown nine years ago I made sure that I did not take my issues out on another person in any way or form - I worked hard at it all the time and believe me is was a task, but nevertheless I did IT."

This is not always true for everyone,but can be for many.
For there are so many variables to a disorder(s) too.
Its not always black and white,so many things can factor in,influencing behaviour at the time a person is episodic.
Though not the same,but very similar, is when a person is truly in depression and a non depressed person says things like,"snap out of it",or "get over it already".
If a person had total control of brain chemistry they would most likely wish to "snap out of it" but that is not always possible all of the time. That is where therapy,meds come in,and if needed,hospitalization.
While I do not disagree totally with you,people need to know Bipolar,like other disorders,medications,etc. is not a "one size fits all". For those,once DXed with Bipolar,and in some sort of treatment plan,such as therapy,meds monitored by a pdoc,or both, over a length of time,some people may be able recognize the begining of destabilization,sensing something is not right,maybe something may even be familar as to the way they felt once before,when they first became episodic.
I know several people,including myself,that somehow have developed this ability of recognizing subtle changes,taking place,this is the best time to contact your pdoc,perhaps a change in your dosage of the mood stabilizer you take,may be needed. It may even be a matter of changing which mood stabilizer you are taking at that present time.
It is not uncommon that ocassionally other meds of a different class may be included.
I'm rambling,but just wanted to add this reply to this post.
I'm sending many good wishes,for patience,strength and peace,for all those dealing with Bipolar,rather the person with it or friends,families that are in the person's life.
Take care,
DE