Hi. If you can learn to deal with these emotions in a natural way & it works for you, that's great. But if & until you can learn these skills you may need to take meds to give you a helping hand. If you truly have a chemical imbalance chances are you won't be able to control it by yourself. I'm a smart, strong-minded woman, & have not been able to control my mental issues through sheer mind power so I've had to accept that I need meds too. I really notice the difference when I'm properly medicated to when I'm not, so from my personal experience, I say yes, stabilisers do work. They are not a wonder drug/cure-all, but you definitely notice the improvement. You are not weak or a loser for needing meds, you just have a condition that needs treatment, the same as any other illness. I hope this helps. Keep us posted on how you go.