Bipolar without meds?

[kidsminister]

Is there anyone here who struggles with bipolar disorder and has chosen not to take medication? If so, are there any resources available to help you?

My friend has been diagnosed as bipolar and is interested in learning as much as possible about it, and is researching the possibility of controlling it without the use of medication, but she's hit several dead ends in her research...

(Yes, it really is a friend - I'm not talking about myself . I'm pretty sure I'm depressive, but definitely not manic!!)

 

[invisiblebabe]

Yes... I was recently diagnosed as bipolar, but my case is mild enough that I am trying without meds. So far, so good Not to say it's easy, of course... but yeah...

I'm thinking that my bipolar originated (or at least was highly exacerbated) primarily from a traumatic incident I went through about a year and a half ago... 'cause of the physiological responses my body gave during the situation... as well as the fact that I wasn't having any manic episodes or anything like them until after the event. I have also figured out what tends to trigger depressive episodes for me, and I'm working on figuring out how to prevent those triggers.

Still very much in the process of research... but I'm thinking it's going to be possible to do it without meds. At least, I'm certainly hoping so. I think it'd depend on the severity of the case though.

 

[Alive again]

I have sent a prayer for your friend. I do agree that some have successfully dealt with bp without meds. It is a challenge and few succeed successfully. Bp typically is progressive over a lifetime, there is documentable brain changes on autopsy. Some liken the progress of a mania to the "kindling" process of a seizure in the brain. I would advise caution. My son choses to be unmedicated and I have watched his episodes worsen over the last 5 years. Somehow he is unable to notice this himself. Some words of advice. Contact NAMI and DBPSA, both have websites and frequently have local chapters. Much of the info I have learned has come from them. DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS WITHOUT a reliable/knowledgeable counselor or friend who knows it all and can help be eyes from the outside to help spot changes and progression that are not always obvious to the person with bp. YOur friend should be knowledgeable about issues such as stress, caffeine, lack of sleep, etc that are triggers and can worsens this illness. Find a very up to date doc or counselor that will keep you informed of the latest med research. There are always interesting things being studied. Look for the BP magazine, a great source of info. i don't currently have a copy or I would give you more info, but the title is "BP"
Finally, don't be afraid to try a few meds if you do at some point feel up to it. Your friend might be surprised that these meds don't change who they are, but just helps tham to cope better. There are some side effects, but if I didn't like them we just tried another until I found on with what I consider minor side effects. God dohelp modern medicine researchers find things to help. God is the author of all knowlegde. Finally for yourself. Same advice, also watch yourself and get some info on bp. I had bp in my family already so everyone is a little different, but I was only depressed for many years. finally seriously enough that I could not work. Over several yearsa of mutiple meds and stress my doc feels that combination triggered the bp genes in me that were not previously expressed. That is why my bp symptoms did not show up until the last three years or so. sorry for the rather lengthy answer. But the unmed thing is a challenge and I applaud your friend for chosing to be informed about their illness and not just fly by the seat of their pants. May God direct you to the info you both need to find. I just remembered. I found a couple of books recently One by Nancy Hagerman, Life in the Pit nad the other was a companion book on amazon or Barnes and Noble. I don't remember the author and have loaned them to a friend. Both a easy to read books written by Christians with Bipolar and the things they have learned and tips for coping. I highly recommend both. I found them thru an internet search and could not find them in a local bookstore. If you or your friend are female I also highly recommend The myth of the submissive Christian woman by Brenda Wagoneern a very fundmental lady by the way. doin't let the title scare you. I thought it would be a good book for men as well as the issues can work for both sexes, but don't know if a guy would read a book of this title. Again sorry for the long response. I pray something in here will be a blessing to you.

 

[markdw82]

Medications typically are very bad...I have heard. They are closely linked to suicide. Kayli (invisiblebabe) has posted a topic about an alternative option that is safe and successful in treating bipolar disorder.

 

[Jeshu]

The problem with no medication is that we don't seem to notice when we are sliding. I went without medication for many years and ended-up much sicker.
It is risky but some bipolar suffers are succesful in treating bipolar even making money out of it. I've heard about bipolar people controlling their sympoms with indentification cards and the like. Just run a search 'bipolar book' on the web and you will find some alternative healing methods in no time.

Best wishes to your friend.

 

[LostnFound]

I also would advise caution. Bipolar IS progressive, in many cases. Going on and off meds can exacerbate the progress.

You are right to be wary of the side effects of meds, and that is why someone new to meds, changing doses, or changing meds needs to be very closely monitored by both their Pdoc, and those very close to the individual. However, that is not a reason to discount psychopharmacology.

 

[SweetLyn]

I am Bi Polar and I choose not to take meds, I have been on so many and all of them have a bad side effect. I tried Anti-depressants but all of them make me sweat really bad or some of them make me nauseated bad. and then I have been given the "harder" meds such as Depekote & tegretol which both had ill side effects. none of them and I been on a long list are sucessful for me.
I have tried to kill myself 2 times, and came through it. Of course at the time with meds--but after not to long started to feel sicker on them.
I pray daily and try my hardest not to be the "old" me... I know everyone says you need to stay on the meds but I dont believe it I know it is possible to live bipolar without meds.
The meds I think make you Sicker and act crazy.

 

[freyajem]

I am bipolar and I take meds. I tried going without meds but I could not tell if I was high or low or how high or how low. The meds give me a fighting chance. It took a while to get used to the side effects but once over that hump, it was not so bad. Also, whenever I was off my meds, I was positive I didn't need them but I wasn't level.

 

[Ann Doupont]

Is there anyone here who struggles with bipolar disorder and has chosen not to take medication? If so, are there any resources available to help you?

My friend has been diagnosed as bipolar and is interested in learning as much as possible about it, and is researching the possibility of controlling it without the use of medication, but she's hit several dead ends in her research...

(Yes, it really is a friend - I'm not talking about myself . I'm pretty sure I'm depressive, but definitely not manic!!)

Hi there,

In 1978, I was diagnosed bipolar. Have not taken any meds since 1983. There were many steps involved in doing this venture successfully. The first time or two I tried it, I failed, and ended up back in the hospital.

Would your friend like to be in touch with me? If so, PM me with contact information.

Ann

 

[kidsminister]

This sounds silly, but I have no idea how to PM someone in this forum!

Ann - My friend is on vacation right now, but I will definitely mention the possibility to her...don't want to give out her info without her consent, ya know?

But I know that she would be thrilled to talk to someone else who has survived bipolar without drugs...Could you PM me with your info?

 

[freyajem]

To PM in here, just click on the white slot(online or offline) under their name. Presto - bingo!!