Bipolar Support Group

can someone with bipolar have a good life taking no meds? i mean, what did people before our time do when they were bipolar?

moonshine!

I live with no meds because I think they just make things worse for me. I have not taken any meds in almost 2 years and I live an ok life...not fantastic...but i manage.. I think meds are ok for some people..but they are not for me.

FOr me I was undiagnosed, but had definite BP symptoms for many years. The BP got worse as the years went on and now even with meds I still struggle at times. However I can say I'm better on meds than without. That has been my experience.

In years past I would guess there were even more people suffering with mental illness than there is now and I'm glad I don't live during that era. Beth

I have been on and off my meds for years. I just started taking them after being off of them for a month. I think people who don't have to take meds are lucky and I am beginning to realize that I am not that lucky.

I lived without medications for years and self medicated instead, alcohol and drugs. I cannot help but think that many bipolar sufferers in the past used the same to cope. I do know that my quality of life has improved as a result of medications and for them I am grateful. My hat is off to those who can live without them. I simply cannot.

i also self medacated for years before i was diagnosed ...an life was really just out of control ....after i was diagnosed medacated things got better but i stopped meds for over 2 years an i could just feel it comming on...an it wasnt good so i had to seek help again an now i defently feel that i cannot cope with out being medacated.....iv accepted it..if one can cope with out meds...more power to ya i supose...

I've spoken to many people who successfully live without meds. So the answer to the question is yes, however, each person's chemistry is different. While the diagnosis is the same, how it manifests itself or the underlying cause is also different.

I believe that and there are other doctors, homepaths, etc., who believe that and practice that. Living without meds are not for everyone and should not be done without the help of a professional, but I truely believe it can be done!

There are orthomolecular psychiatrists (the focus is on vitamins/minerals and other natual approaches), naturopaths, nutritionists, out there that can help with that...it depends on the part of the country that you live in...but there is help!

Good luck to you!

Without my medications, I self-medicated as well, but that just made my bipolar worse. I'm just dreading the day I want to get pregnant and have to get off my medications.

I am with you on that herparallax. I have found my meds to make a huge difference, but i am scared for the day I wanna have kids.