- Jun 7, 2006
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Hi everyone!
I am kind of new to this forum, and have just come back from a long absence from CF, so I guess I am kind of new again.
Anyway, I would like to pose a question to all of the people here who have also been diagnosed with manic-depression/bipolar disorder - especially of the severe type:
Do you believe that you could ever reach a point where you could function on a somewhat normal basis without medication (I say somewhat being that I am a fairly realistic and reasonable person - I think - and I know that things will never be as "normal" as we expect them to be)? If you have ever been able to do this, what techniques/methods of coping have you used?
I recently ceased medication and treatment because of financial issues, because quite honestly I don't entirely trust the psychiatric and pharmacutical industries, and more than that because I really hate the drugged-up, numbed-up feeling that consumes me whenever I am on medication.
In the past I have had numerous and severe episodes of depression that spiral into mixed-state psyhosis, but it hasn't yet gone that far since I stopped the medication - 2 months ago - although honestly I do have regular episodes of semi-severe depression about three or four times a week (that sounds like a lot, but it is offset by a three or four days of manic states in between). With the help of my husband, I have been becoming increasingly aware of my behavior when I am in these states, and have been able to apply techniques from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (for Borderline Personality Disorder, which I am diagnosed with as well) and have found them tremendously helpful, especially when I am depressed - which is really when I need them the most.
Don't get me wrong, I am not anti-meds or anti-psychiatrists (I am actually working towards a degree in psychology and would like to someday go in to private practice to counsel those with severe mood disorders and personality disorders), only I feel that this may be the best thing I could do for myself right now - I want to be able to function and survive without medication - and not only that, I want to be able to channel these feelings and moods that I have into creative projects (I like to paint and draw, sing and play the guitar, write poetry and lyrics, etc).
I apologize for the long post - feeling increasingly manic, or at least hypo-manic, at the moment!
I would love to hear what you all think about all of this, especially if you would like to answer the questions I have presented, and I would appreciate any other advice or comments you have!
Thanks!
I am kind of new to this forum, and have just come back from a long absence from CF, so I guess I am kind of new again.
Anyway, I would like to pose a question to all of the people here who have also been diagnosed with manic-depression/bipolar disorder - especially of the severe type:
Do you believe that you could ever reach a point where you could function on a somewhat normal basis without medication (I say somewhat being that I am a fairly realistic and reasonable person - I think - and I know that things will never be as "normal" as we expect them to be)? If you have ever been able to do this, what techniques/methods of coping have you used?
I recently ceased medication and treatment because of financial issues, because quite honestly I don't entirely trust the psychiatric and pharmacutical industries, and more than that because I really hate the drugged-up, numbed-up feeling that consumes me whenever I am on medication.
In the past I have had numerous and severe episodes of depression that spiral into mixed-state psyhosis, but it hasn't yet gone that far since I stopped the medication - 2 months ago - although honestly I do have regular episodes of semi-severe depression about three or four times a week (that sounds like a lot, but it is offset by a three or four days of manic states in between). With the help of my husband, I have been becoming increasingly aware of my behavior when I am in these states, and have been able to apply techniques from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (for Borderline Personality Disorder, which I am diagnosed with as well) and have found them tremendously helpful, especially when I am depressed - which is really when I need them the most.
Don't get me wrong, I am not anti-meds or anti-psychiatrists (I am actually working towards a degree in psychology and would like to someday go in to private practice to counsel those with severe mood disorders and personality disorders), only I feel that this may be the best thing I could do for myself right now - I want to be able to function and survive without medication - and not only that, I want to be able to channel these feelings and moods that I have into creative projects (I like to paint and draw, sing and play the guitar, write poetry and lyrics, etc).
I apologize for the long post - feeling increasingly manic, or at least hypo-manic, at the moment!
I would love to hear what you all think about all of this, especially if you would like to answer the questions I have presented, and I would appreciate any other advice or comments you have!
Thanks!
bless your heart. we all seem to get in a zone where we think we can go off meds. we think or it's a miracle, but it's just another cycle. YOU MUST be declared healled by your doctor and be given instruction on your meds, diet, etc. never be influenced or tempted to another answer. but on the softer side of this illness, or these illnesses; we can learn to manage and find joy and contentment with whatever diagnosis we have... surround yourself with the resources that build you up.
