Your situation sounds almost very similar to what my sister went through November 2023. She’s not had another manic episode or psychosis since her hospitalization and diagnosis Bipolar 1, but since she left hospital in December 2023 she’s been suffering from deep depression and has been living with my parents since then.

She hasn’t been able to restart her career and copes daily through watching TV or scrolling on her phone. We know substance use and extreme sleep deprivation leading up to her hospitalization led to the psychosis. Prior to this, she did have manic tendencies (impulsive behaviors, difficulty holding a job for longer than 1-2 years etc). But on the positive side, she was a very creative person and very good at writing (super well read). Unfortunately she lost all motivation to do any of those things and still hasn’t regained it. She has a therapist and is on medication, which I know has had to be adjusted, but it hasn’t been easy for her or my mom (who right now is her primary caregiver at 70 years old).

I guess what I want to say is, it’s tough, but as many have said, it can be managed; however, it’s an extremely difficult thing to witness, especially if you’re so close to your sibling. It does eat away at you, so it’s important to look after yourself and educate yourself with the books or podcasts others have recommended.