Yes on the meds, balance, I do.

Anika made some good points. Among which: kindling.
I very much believe in the kindling theory. I've lived it.

I am also... let's just say that when people can manage without, I can't help but think that they probably simply have a milder case (which, don't get me wrong, that's great! It's only problematic when extrapolated.) Or, as Anika notes, possible misdiagnosis. Also, I've observed that often it is age-related. See above: kindling. When I was young, I went through a considerable number of years of living super-healthy. Very. It did not protect me from increasing problems (especially in extremity and frequency of depression) as time went on. If you'd asked me then? My answer would be considerably different. It would also be without the benefit of hindsight. My progression was very clear. I did not take meds (in fact, was undiagnosed despite very big and clearcut signs - long story), until the last few years, so kindling had an unimpeded run to play out. Wish I knew then what I know now. Could have saved me from a couple of decades of ever-increasing problems.

(As a sidenote, spans of remission - times in between episodes - can also masquerade as an alluring "proof" of being able to do without. Incidently, I had more and longer ones when younger.)

Not saying what anyone should or shouldn't do. Just sharing my personal experience, because I think it's relevant to the question.

So yeah, I'll take the meds. They've made a big difference for me.