Please don't take this as criticism, since as a bipolar myself, and currently in a messed up state, what I say is suspect, but this whole discussion reminds me of those who tell the depressed to just snap out of it.

As I stated in another thread, the judgement of someone experiencing a manic episode cannot be relied upon. That doesn't stop the person in question from believing his or her actions are justified. I grant that if one is unable to cope with such a person's behaviour then one should perhaps distance one's self from that environment until it is more manageable, but I object to the characterization of the person as unwilling to effect change in his or her life. Understanding is of key importance. Perhaps this fellow is addicted to alcohol or some other drug or just plain in deep serious, as am I at the moment.

Frankly, there's not much anyone can say or do right now that would help me feel much better but it is none the less the case that I could use all the help I can get.