I am bipolar and I don't take meds. Can't say I am managing my symptoms particularly well sometimes but it is the path I have chosen for me. I think it is an individual choice based on the severity of one's symptoms and how effectively meds and/or other treatment options work for an individual. What works for one doesn't necessarily work the same way for another. The complexities are enormous.

I focus a lot on spiritual, cognitive and other behaviour altering approaches to manage the symptoms as they arise in thier many forms and durations. I probably ramp up the non med treatments and self care considerations that anyone with bi polar needs to do everyday.

I am relatively level these days, save the odd bit of rapid cycling and peculiarities so it is easy for me to rationalize not taking meds but when symptoms flare up to the extreme I feel the pressure to question my decision.

If bi polar could be treated like my thyroid condition I would be on board to take my pill a day. If they could measure something and give me something to stablize the level consistently I would be first in line. Until that day the never ending tweeking process that is required to maintain med treatment effectiveness is more debilitating for me then going without. Just how I roll I guess.

If you opt to try to cope without meds then be prepared to do a lot more work learning how to retrain your brain and manage the effects of symptoms alternatively. Don't think you can just ride the wave until it runs its course. You have to manage the illness one way or another and you have to find the way that works best for you and your symptoms.