The reason I take meds if that the depression is so bad that I can't live without them.
The reasons why I regularly stop taking them are:
For me the highs are great cos I have BPII so I get less of the nasties with the highs
It can really be hard to let go of the good times and alot of BPers find that they lose some of their creativity on meds
the meds often have horrible side effects: weight gain, nausea, drowsey, dull, difficulty concentrating....
It is also a symptom of the disease to believe that you don't need meds or that they are causing the problems...

Hope this helps you understand... and your not prying