I'm aware of this statistic. If it's true, I'll probably die next week. Sigh.

The chemicals we take are indeed mind-bending and should be prescribed cautiously. Bipolar is a legitimate condition, but there's no evidence of any chemical imbalance (although there is demonstrable evidence of a change in brain function as a result of drugs). Very concerning. I've always been alarmed that the meds I take "are believed to improve symptoms but it's not known how or why," and that drug trials are often as short as two weeks in duration. The consequences of long-term chemical cocktails are completely unknown. I try not to think about these things often.

While lifestyle changes don't cure bipolar, they may reduce our risks significantly (not to mention making us feel better overall -- exercise and good nutrition can't help but improve our lives).