Is it possible to live without medication with bipolar?

For the win!

Thanks for this, Trippin. For the record, I'm on meds, but your points are eloquent. BP isn't a "life sentence"...in my opinion only, it's merely a challenge I have to deal with -- which, admittedly, is difficult at times. As for treatment, different people choose to deal with it in different ways..."Free will," & all that.

I've typed this several times but my dog keeps unplugging my laptop.

Being medicated and being un-medicated present different but similar issues. I'm currently medicated (1 yr. + 7 mths). Since being medicated my basics (food, shelter, utilities) are stable for the first time in my adult life. My relationships and daily life are much more complex.

My mood swings are shorter, and less severe. Which makes me feel my depression is more dangerous. I can't predict how long or when my cycles or my families cycles will hit making planing for them almost impossible. Which makes trying to parent beyond difficult. Changes are to slight to catch fast. My husband and my cycles no longer “match” as much. At the same time my mania is not as dangerous.

I have my own perimeter to keep me med compliant. I refuse to take meds any other time but bed time, unless PRN and absolutely no meds that can cause weight gain. My pdoc is very good at staying within my perimeters. Both pdoc and T have waited patiently while I slowly release my perimeters. So if there is an issue with the meds be very vocal about it.

In ways I was “better” un-medicated. For my safety, the safety of my loved ones (not talking all BP's just me), and my continued freedom I'm medicated. At least until I can learn the tools to control psychosis without my husbands help.

I wouldn't advocate meds for others it's a very personal issue that most struggle with daily. Please make sure you have the tools to deal with the worst of your BP and stable before deciding.