Hi and Welcome!

I really think it's up to each individual whether or not they feel meds work for them. I've read in some cases meds have made people more psychotic..... and yet other cases where some can't get by without their meds. Some people have succeeded in dealing with mental illness without meds... like one well known person--- John Nash ( the real guy from- A Beautiful Mind).

In my opinion --the modern society has got many thinking that we are helpless in our own minds without meds---- I personally don't agree. --- Although it may hold true for some...... I don't believe that meds are the "be all and end all" for many. There are other alternatives.... like I recently read about "gluten" in the diet causing some to have a chemical imbalance in the brain--- mimicking schizophrenia-- so just eliminating that helped some people. It sounds like you are willing to go that extra step in finding out as much as you can--- I think that's great!!

I do however think it is very important to have some type of therapy-- behavioral, cognitive or some other kind, to help one control and understand their thoughts.

There are therapists out there that will treat without medication. Perhaps you could start in that direction.... looking for a therapist that won't bring up the medication subject to you.

I wish you peace and healing--- Good luck!!

mandy