It's important not to over-generalize. Just because SOME can cope without medication it doesn't mean all can.

Besides it is important to note that here in the UK at least, services prefer to offer therapy over medication.

I stopped taking my medication and I ended up with a severed radial artery. I now value the ability and free will to chose whether or not I am medicated more than ever. And I can say without medication I would not be able to function at all.