I have gone off my meds after five years of taking them when I was diagnosed. Meds made me worse. I had paradoxical reactions to most meds so the ones that were supposed to help with anxiety made me anxious. The ones that were supposed to help with depression made me suicidal...etc. I was allergic to Lamictal and Lithium blew out my thyroid.

I have done a lot of work and research in this area and used ECT for a year to get stable. I attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and have become a health coach focusing on people with mood disorders. I have learned that gut health has a lot to do with mental health. Google the GAPS diet.

I now watch what I eat, exercise ( when I can as I have a back injury) and take supplements like fish oil, vitamins and probiotics. I go to therapy once a week.

I still have ups and downs but they are manageable now and I no longer suffer from paranoia and other psychosis. I feel my emotions more acutely, but I am better able to sort them out.

I am hoping someday to open a health center that has not only a focus on physical health but also focuses on mental health through diet, lifestyle and mindfulness.

So I have been off my meds completely for about two months and so far so good.