I don't know how to help someone i care for with a Bipolar Disorder

Dear All,
This is the first time I ever write in any forums, but at this moment i need any support or advise I can get.
A dear friend of mine, who is actually my ex boyfriend of 2 years is now going through a manic stage of bipolar epizode. (forgive me if i am not using correct terms) In any case, I don't know much, since i am not the family and only family gets access and information from doctors! I am sick worried, I know the hospital where he is at, but i was suggested by his doctor and his father not to interfere and not to call or contact him. I am very worried, because the last few weeks my friend was acting very different, he kind of blamed some things on me, and it was very painful to see that he has been writing things to his family refering to be in the most horrible terms. Now its seems that maybe our break up in some sence has contributed to triger this epizode....I can't stop blaming myself, even though it is him who broke up with me. At the end i just want to know he is ok, because he has called me from the hospital last morning asking me to take him away from there. I know he is not himself and i know he is isolated from the loved ones that he is alowed to see very rarely! I just feel so horrible that i am in the same city, walking around the hospital like a zombee and  i cannot do anything. I care for him so much, if anyone would just explain to me that he is ok? I cannot function, i cannot work, eat or sleep, I keep on crying and blaming myself for not being more kinder or I don't know....All I want to know if he will be ok after he is put on medicine, and how long this can take? Because I am so sick worried....and he is not even told that i am here for him if he needs me...any comments from anyone who has ever been hospitalised with bipolar disorder is very welcome! Thanks

[Weney3777]

All I can tell you is from my own experience. When I was hospitalized, I remember telling everyone that I didn't want to be there, and that I was fine, when really, that was the best place for me at the time. I couldn't control my emotions, or in reality, even know what I was feeling. I was numb, and at the same time, every emotion and thought was compounded many times in my mind. It took a week or so before the meds had any affect on me, and when they did, I was embarrased for what I'd put everyone through and didn't want to see anyone anyway.

So, all I can say is that he's going to be alright. They have his best interest in mind and try not to worry so much. I know that's what we do when we care, but he's getting help now, so just be there for him when he's ready.

[ILADVOCATE]

I was hospitalized years ago before my current recovery. You should ask them why they stated you cannot contact him because when I was hospitalized I had friends and family visit every day to be supportive. Medication is helpful but it takes a while to get used to at first and the support of loved ones is essential. If he wants to keep in touch with you then you have the right to contact him. However, as long as he is being treated in a humane manner don't interfere with any decision for him to remain involuntarily though as that will make things more difficult for him and when he is released he will feel better and these days hospitalizations are usually short term.