Hi there,
I do not think trying to go without any meds. is a good or safe idea.
I'd suggest going with the med(s) and therapy. Keeping in touch with the pdoc who prescribes the meds. as directed, straying away or the wish to stop medications and/or therapy sometimes is a common "trap door", try to avoid that, please.
For me depakote was too sedating and blunting, but very helpful when I first was DXed with bipolar-II(mild) which all seemed to come on from a family/marriage situation, triggering and bringing forth something that never existed or if so was so mild no one, including myself ever deteced or suspected I was a victim of this disorder.
Lithium is excellent, didn't sedate me, but was blunting, due to the fact my type of bipolar has more depressive intensity than manic. Because of this and anti-depressants pooped out my pdoc asked if I'd like to try Lamictal, I balked about it and then said, "yes", it has worked great for me. We all have to bare in mind that all meds do not work for all people the same way, but there are meds that will agree and work for patients.
There is hope, and help, we just need patience.
I wish you well with this all. Just want to stress, this is not a disorder that can handled without meds. if someone has, then they never really were bipolar to begin with.
Please, work with a psychiatrist on this, give things an honest effort. Never give up on yourself.
Take care,
DE

(((((((((((( Hypatia ))))))))))))