Bipolar I people who got off meds successfully, please respond?!
Question: Please tell me how long and anything else you can think of
Answers: Please tell me how long and anything else you can think of
I've successfully been off meds now, since June 2006. I have small swings, not very often tho, but I'm able to control them. They normally happen because I've had too much coffee, stayed up too late etc, and being a mother I need to be responsible etc, so I'm quick to get on top of things. I will take meds if I need to, I just prefer not too, and have MANY valid reasons. Anyway, how I've made it so far:
* Routine, routine, routine. I have a diary for times, acitvites, appointments, and countless lists.
* Exercise. I find that is essential for me, to find my 'center'
* Diet. Sugary food, junk food is baaaaaad for my moods. It's really amazing how much diet has an effect on me, so I aim for low gi foods, and small meals often. Also helped me with my weight loss, so double bonus!
* Coffeee... keep to a minimum. And not after 3pm ish.
* Sleep! At the appropriate times.
* And if I'm feeling stressed I dont put extra pressure on myself. I am kinder to myself now. I try to adopt a more of a attitude as in "My all, or my best at the time" rather than the frustrating and often dissapointing mantra "All or nothing!" I used to live by.
* Talking. Shrinks, psychologists, good friends, anyone! I made great strides since I started seeing a psychologist. Talking and setting goals, not letting things build up and validating my feelings, and just generally working thru the million issues I have, has worked wonders.
I think thats it.... it's hard going med free as EVERYONE, almost, thinks it's a bad idea, but I have a few professionals, and all my friends and family who support me, and are amazed how well I'm doing. I would never recommend someone to do it, as some people really do go off their nut, but just find some one that does understand, and is willing to help, and respect the fact that meds are not the only treatment for bipolar. Sometimes tho, and for some periods in life, they're are needed.
I've just resigned myself that I have this problem, and I will fight it, but if I need help and strength (meds) I will take them.
Just be careful please, and this doesnt work for everyone. Good luck!
Been off them for twenty-five years. Recovering means to stay away from your weakness to depression. It ain't easy until you see it is as much them as you.
Well I am not the one who is bipolar and got off meds, my best friend is and I am a very active part of her life. She has been BP all of her life and never knew it until she had a really bad episode in her 20's. She took many different meds and didn't like any of them. She has always been a person who doesn't like artificial things and felt like she was poisoning her body. She stopped slowly taking her pills and has regular (weekly) meetings with a therapist and talks with me and other friends often. She has an understanding that she can't help the way she feels and she pays extra attention to her feelings so when she does have an episode, manic or depressed, she will take a bath or watch a funny movie until it passes. She eats healthy and balanced and takes lots Vitamin B which helps with moods. If she doesn't notice she is having an episode, I or one of our other friends tell her to calm herself and she just knows, and takes our advise! You just need a clear understanding and always talk and let everyone know whats going on so no one is offended! I love her!!
It is best to work with a psychiatrist to deal with the subject of a disinterest in taking medication.
Some bipolar people don't experience extreme highs and lows and can do without medication. Most others can't and some even have to be hospitalized.
There are bipolar people who are off medication who shouldn't be and who are doing tremendous damage to their mental health and consequently will never appear normal again.
So, you want to be very, very careful with this.