If your bipolar diagnosis is correct yes, IMO it is med or meds for life. The combination of meds may change along the way as you discover what works (and that is fluid depending on your response and the circumstances). I concluded I was "over it" and went off psych meds. I have just recently gone back on a mood stabilizer because I became so depressed I was desparate. I am tired of being on the roller coaster and if I have to take daily medications, I give in...