Well Melissa....

Treatment and what works is extremely individual with bipolar! There's a huge difference between bp1, bp2, and cylcothymic. They're sooooo different. And even within those, there's a large amount of difference in regards to severity.

Eg. bp1 has full mania. Yea. We're all aware of that by now. Some people with bp1 also have psychosis. Some don't. If you have psychosis, you're going to definitely be needing an anti-psychotic to help out for the most part. I can't speak too much for bp1 as I am fortunate enough to not have to deal with mania or psychosis. I have bp2. My ups are quite mild even for that, but my depressions can be very severe. But since I have lucked out with my ups, they don't mess up my life TOO much and I have learned how to handle them without meds. I can even manage my depression without meds. Why? Who knows. I'm stubborn. I'm lucky. I'm currently on meds by choice to help with a difficult situation. Others with bp2 can't handle it (or don't want to) without meds.

It's really allll so different that the only way to manage it is to get to know yourself VERY WELL and to be open and willing to have a lot of conversation about it. And a lot of trial and error.