I'm willing to help him the best that I can, but I need help, too. My suggestion for now, was if he got down while working on my stuff, was to just toss the book aside. And as I don't know enough about the disorder, maybe those are impossible tasks. Well, sorry to write a book, I just wanted to try to give you the best description I could. I appreciate the concern you have and must apologize for my delay in getting back to you.
Bipolar illness is a biological disease.
Most patients have trouble recognizing the highs, and for many the lows sneak up on them. Unfortunately, other than giving him some extra time and allowing him to complete his tasks when he is not depressed, there is a limit to what you can do. The lows come and go and are not induced or worsened by your course requirements. He will not be able to function near as well when he is depressed, and the best thing you could do is allow him the extra time he might need to complete his work. Depression reduces one's ability to learn and concentrate when it is present.