Bipolars Only Online Support Group

Post edited by: waterfalling, at: 02/27/2012 03:11 PM

Most people, including me, are going to ask why you stopped medication and why it is not an option for you. There is ample evidence that medications help tremendously - I understand though it takes some time to find the right mix.

I don't think you can just wish your way out of an episode - but you might be able to try some new age techniques for anxiety, like meditation or deep breathing.

It is good you are eating - nutrition is needed no matter who you are, or what disorder you suffer from.

Not sure what else I can offer up - but I'm sure some of the senior members can add a few cents of sensibility. Best to you....

Why are meds not an option for you? They are our best hope of being stable. Nothing can take the place of meds.

We have a brain disease. That's why we need medicine.

If you hate your meds, there are always others. It took me several tries to find the right meds for me. I am very stable now and have no real side effects.

Sometimes it's hard to admit you have an illness and you can't leave it untreated. Believe me I did it so many times only to relapse even worse then I could dream of I recently went off and now it will take me longer to get them into my brain so I only hurt myself by doing it. It is an illness and if u don't treat it, you will experience unpleasant symptoms. Nobody is saying drug yourself up just work with a doctor and slowly figure out what works with the least side effects. I remember being off everything when I was pregnant and I was trapped in my home with contant panic it was a nightmare.

I assume you are an adult and you know the consequences of your actions. If you think meds are not for you so be it. There is nothing anyone can say to persuade you to go back to meds. If you live alone and no one is going to be mistreated because of your untreated condition you can do as you please but if you have a family I believe they don't have to suffer because of your decision.

Hi Waterfalling,

I have tried in the past going off my meds. I went downhill fast. My symptoms showed their ugly faces and I was heading down the stream quickly without a raft so to speak. Although it is your decision to go or stay off your meds I think you have a chance down the road of seeing your symptoms reappearing. You mention a mixed episode at this time I beleive you said. That is a sure sign of trouble ahead. Sorry. I wish that things could be different for all of us that have bipolar, but meds r what is needed for the majority of us to remain stable with our moods. Wish I had better news for you but I don't.

Hi, Waterfalling. I can tell you the same thing about taking meds. However, I understand that it is not always an option. Do you have a pdoc? I am hoping that you do. If you do, can you talk with them to see if there are other options for you. I know there are "non-medication" treatments (don't ask me what they are, I can't tell you specifically) but they seem to be for those that are med resistant or just want to take a more holistic approach. Unfortunately, I am no expert in that area, hence, I take my meds.

I am curious too though why you reject the meds. Without my meds, I am a complete whack job. I don't like being like that so I am med compliant.

I wish the best to you no matter what route you take with your own treatment. Let us know what you learn and how it is going.