The meds don't have to be forever. I take them for six months to a year at a time, until I feel stable. Then (with Dr. help) I go off for awhile. Until I fall apart again. My doctor doesn't really like this, but he knows I don't want to be on meds and he now trusts me to ask for help when I need it. It took almost 20 years to learn to ask for help.

Hold on.