I guess it depends how far they are going. Untreated bipolar episodes can result in anything from embarressment to loss of job, relationships, harm to others and harm to oneself. With a 25% suicide rate for people with the disorder that is often a possibility.

They have to stay on their meds. I know when my son takes them he feels fine and then convinces himself that he does not need them. That is when he gets into trouble. But I also realize that when he has a relapse he doesn't remember much about it. I think you always have to be there to support him...the results of not being there could be worse. He has to realize that the meds have to be continuous.

His apartment is a mess. Do we go and clean it up - when he will just acuse us of moving things or get paranoid and say we have taken things, etc. When do we help him?

we are talking about your father right?

I'd only consider tidying up anything that is a risk - ie rotting food, stuff piled up against heat sources.

I don't think other kinds of mess are likely to cause real harm to him or others.

I agree with acuriousfish...if their is something there that may harm him like spoiled food I'd get it out or anything that may be a danger to him. I think he may resent you for trying to "take over" if you do much else. Hopefully he will settle down and then welcome you come in and help get things in order. Hang in there. It is hard when you become the parent of a parent. My prayers are with you.

As of tonight our Dad has chosen to call us all up and leave messages with extreme profanity and says that he doesn't want anything to do with any of us ever again. He claims that he has enough food for one month and intends on staying in his apartment the entire month without ever leaving. Any further suggestions? We are suppose to have an appointment with him at this new doctor this next Thursday. He is also due to have his blood level checked before that appointment. What do we do now?

I don't know if you can talk to the doctor and explain that is what has happened.

I assume the blood level check is for lithium or valproate - obviously if he has that he will be "found out". Maybe that is what is bothering him.

You may have to seek guardianship of your dad to get him the help he needs. Don't give up...