Diagnosed with Bi polar

Question

Hey, I was diagnosed with Bipolar about 6 months ago, and haven't taken any meds for two reasons.

1. I don't believe I need meds, I know I have had this disorder since young age, and have handled it for roughly 9 years naturally now.

2. I am 17, and as most people are in this country, my family is not doing amazing financially, I mean we have a good house, eat well, but it's definitely ran some stress across the family. Anyways the meds just seem like a complete waste of money and really, I don't see how something like a pill, can really "treat" Bipolar. I pretty much blame our present way of living for this "disorder", it's just a real unhealthy place here in the states, and actually, when I just take a break from everyday things we take for granted such as this computer, or the TV, or a car... and I go outside ( I live in the boonies so I can get away pretty easily) go on a hike, and maybe just listen to some music and have a campfire going on the lake.

But my question here is, are meds really a good way? Does anyone have this disorder and have both experience with natural remedy and medications, and which they enjoyed more?

Answer 1

Being charismatic doesn't make you manic. You don't sound bipolar at all to me - just depressive. Who diagnosed you? Is there something you're not saying? Because you definitely don't sound bipolar.

And that explains what you've just said - bipolar destroys a lot of people's lives. I'd know. And while I am generally unmedicated, I have no problems admitting when I need extra help.

Answer 2

I have the disorder so I can give you my first hand experience. I think its wonderful that you want to try and use coping methods to deal with it, but from the bottom of my heart (as corny and lame as that might sound lol) I really recommend you give medication a try. I have/had been against medication for a long time and usually got on just to be stabilized and then got off again and tried to cope on my own. Well unfortunately I have come to the conclusion that as much as I think of big pharma being in it for the money and the side effects and what not, you should take medication, at least give it a try. Im not sure you have really lost it so to speak or been either very manic or depressed bc u didnt mention it, but as someone who has been, I say treat it because if untreated it will bring big problems into your life. You are too young to go through all the bad sides of it. I havent found any natural cure yet, I am searching believe me, but until now I am using the coping skills that you are and I am also on medication. Meds do definetly help, get informed and you will see. Good luck.

Answer 3

For some people, medication is the only way to handle their condition. Case in point, my mother in law. Without medication she goes on shopping sprees, talks to "God", tries to get people kicked out of her church, has promiscuous s*x, and has a lot of grandiose thinking. It is possible you are cyclothymic, a lesser form of bipolar. Manic symptoms are caused by an imbalance of norepinephrine and that imbalance can only be controlled my medications. But you can also to therapy to help recognize the triggers for depression and mania.  I think if you aren't in distress or causing others distress and you are handling it fine then good for you! Keep doing what you are doing!

Answer 4

I have 2 family members with bipolar and one uses meds and it reaolly works for them. He is a basket case without them and gets into lots of trouble. The other person has gone ways and seems to do okay without them but needs them now and then when the stress gets to bad. Especially out in crowds. It depends on the person whether to take meds or not. If you can handle life without them then great but use them if needed. Listen to family and see if they notice a difference in you. People with bipolar can draw disability thru social security.

Answer 5

Really depends on your own inner strength in many instances.  As a fellow dx'd bi-polar  which used to be known as manic-depressive, I personally found the meds caused more side effects than the disorder and 40 years later I am neither doing time as a serial killer or in debt to a shrink.  Can't say I have not had my ups and downs, but don't think I have suffered any worse than the average Yank nor has my life been that negative or unproductive.