I was also wondering, if it's not too much trouble, if I may inquire further about the issue that leaves me most perplexed - this huge overreaction to what seemed a minor and manageable issue up until the day before, the job loss. I told him I didn't understand why it had destroyed him so much and he said he didn't know either.
This extreme reaction of hatred of life and wanting to run away to start a new life where nobody knows him (which appears to be the common pattern in his life) is perplexing. I did find a thread on Reddit where a few people with bipolar described doing the same thing regularly, or at least wanting to but being unable because of practical matters, but I didn't get much insight on the mental process that brings on this urge.

I was wondering if anyone here has experienced something similar, or if you might know of any resources where I might gather more information. Once again I apologise for the bother - it's a lot of new information and I'm feeling a little lost.