Bipolar 2 -- do I have to go on medication if it is Seasonal Bipolar (SAD relate!
Question: Bipolar 2 -- do I have to go on medication if it is Seasonal Bipolar (SAD related)?
The problem is the last few years I developed a bout of depression and mild anxiety at the same time, Mid-December. The depression is interupted by a hypomanic episode - this year was the first where I had two hypomanic episodes about a month apart. The hypomania only lasts about a day, but there may be 2 to 3 days where I don't sleep. Then about March, the fish oil kicks back in (sometimes I increase the dosage) and I return to my normal, happy, productive self for the rest of the year until December.
I have been freelancing for about two years and only just got insurance so I will definitely go to a doctor soon. I do have to go for some tests to make sure it isn't another medical problem. I have read that bipolar symptoms can be mistaken for hypoglycemia, thyroid problems, pyroluria among other things.
If I do in fact have Bipolar 2, and there is a definable seasonal trigger (that is my reduced sun exposure in the winter) can I manage it without drugs? Can I simply treat it like Seasonal Affective Disorder and take melatonin or light therapy in the hopes that I will not have a bout of depression?
Has anyone out there developed a drug free strategy to treat bipolar 2 and remain symptom free -- ideally forever or for many years? Thanks in advance for any insights!
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
It is possible you could manage this very carefully with your provider. POSSIBLE. Many people with Bipolar have noticed that their Bipolar changes with seasons. This is so common, it is even on the SAD page of Wikipedia. :)
The problem in the winter is being depressed, so using whatever works for you is great! If fish oil is best, do that. If a light for SAD helps, then great. You and your psychiatrist should work together to figure this out. However *HOWEVER* you need to be careful with the light. It can induce mania. Just make sure you do it for the recommended amount of time & that you are getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night. If those things don't happen--see you provider ASAP!
In the spring & summer, the fish oil is not going to cut it. You will need a mood stabilizer (or, I don't recommend it, but an antipsychotic). Mania is not something to take a risk with, truly. Lamictal is a great medication that has no side effects for me & doesn't cause any sedation (or weight gain). I've taken it for 8 years and plan to take it for 70 more. :) Oh! And it really helps with depression too! Nothing helped me until I started it. Good luck! I've attached a more detailed article below if you'd like.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article…
Your question seems quite a tough one! And for most of the medical industry it will be. Trying to free yourself of mental disorder without drugs? Very ambitious. Sounds like you had a lot of success with the fish oil. Natural remedies work wonders.
Disclaimer: I am not a professional medical practitioner, therefore do not condone the suggestions I give henceforth. Do not discontinue any medication or embark on any treatment without consultation and approval of your doctor(s).
However, if you want a permanent solution, you must dig deeper. Into your own willpower, that is. I believe that the only answer (and the simplest) to your request is to undertake a medically supervised water/juice fast. Fast, as in, abstinence from all solid and liquid foods for a defined period of time for therapeutic healing.
There will be many that ridicule this answer, obviously. Such a taboo topic of discussion! But I implore you to do your research about fasting and its permanent healing effects and try to find a doctor that will support you in it.
For research, search the terms "fasting for mental health" in your favourite search engine!
Good luck!!!