Medication for me cause longer, less severe, more functioning episodes. My depression is more dangerous now. I was a lucky one that went catatonic state instead of depressed until medicated. I didn't even know i got depressed. Therapy keeps me on track with medication, helps with delutions, paranoia, and irrtablilty. Figuring out feelings that are less intense with medication or side effects of medication. My psychiatrist tends to read my symptoms from my therapist and change my medication accordingly. The nutritionist help balance my diet.

So yes, you CAN do it without meds and yes you WILL still have mood swings on meds. Yes, meds CAN help. Yes therapy CAN help with mania.

Both my husband and I are on 2 anti depressants (for depression), 1 mood stabilizer, 1 anti psychotic (anti mania/anti psychotic). I'm also on sleeping medication as needed and anti anxiety med as needed for irritation.

So yes there are many avenues including religion that can help but for me my meds and therapy are at the top.