Quote:
Originally Posted by moodiegirl
I know this has probably been discussed before, but I'd really like to know if any of you who have bipolar with psychotic symptoms live meds-free? Do you feel okay, or do you have episodes of psychotic mania / depression? How long have you managed to feel okay without meds?
I had one psychotic manic episode, and I don't want to go through that EVER again. It was devastating for me and my family. Depression I can handle, but not that.
BUT I would really love to live without meds. They are a constant reminder that there's something "wrong" with me, and I don't really feel like that anymore otherwise. I'm dreading the long-term side effects of my meds. I've been feeling okay for a long time now, I still have some issues but not that bipolar-related. So, is there any chance of me going meds-free WITHOUT doing damage to myself, my husband and my family?
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You and I have an identical diagnosis.
I guess I have trouble understanding people who want to live med-free. I have tried that, and it just doesn't work for me. If you have an illness, address it in the best way you know how, using the best possbile tools to tackle the problem.
Bottom line: live with meds. You may find that living without them causes you to struggle to cope with and manage your illness. It's really an illness, you're really sick, and you may really need meds to keep things under control. I don't think we can look too hard at long-term effects of meds if the short-term effect is an unstable life.
Sorry I can't support your wish to be med-free. If i had seen it work more, I'd go there. I wish you the best, and hope you are receiving appropriate care.