When I first had a manic episode I was age 37. A few months before I was thought to have depression. My manic episode lasted 4 months. When I was near crashing is when I went back to a different doc for a second opinion. I was diagnosed with BP1. I was a complete mess reflecting back on those 4 months no BP meds. After being diagnosed I started meds Lithium was one and a few others. I started going to church and praying all the time. I still was not feeling any better at first. That first year after diagnoses was hell. First I had to accept my diagnoses. I had to get passed what I use to be able to do like stay up all night. Because now I need to do "sleep hygiene". I had to accept the old me was gone. I started going to a support group and that really helped me. Things came together. I learned to accept my diagnoses...found the right meds....I go to a support group...I exercise....try to eat well. The church/prayer thing didn't work for me. I love God but you can not pray mental illness away there is "no" cure. The Bible goes not speak against meds (for those that are Christians). I've had two mix episodes after going off Lithium (I was taking other meds too). My body just has to have Lithium as part of the med cocktail. I started taking it again and haven't had a episode or another hospitalization. No taking meds are not my favorite thing. But I've been through episodes unmedicated. I've tried to deal with everyday life unmedicated....no thank you.

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