[expressiveone]

The only thing I have heard of to help balance is cod liver oil. I was wondering if any of you have any other suggestions of anything that possibly may aid in alleviating/treating symptoms? OF what you have tried, what are some of your experiences? thanks!

[expressiveone]

also any suggestions as far as light therapy? where can you buy the needed bulbs and such? is it expensive?

[AniManiac]

I was just reading about this last night in the book Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder by Julie Fast and John Preston.

What you want is Omega-3 fatty acids, for which one source is fish oil, e.g. cod liver oil. Other supplements that may be valuable are B complex vitamins and vitamin D (sunshine substitute). Everything I've seen says to make sure you check with your doc before starting with anything, though. So I'll be asking mine about these supplements next time I go in for a med check.

Light boxes are not cheap. Google or Amazon will show you some options and the price range. The cheapest one I saw on a quick scan is $80 and they ranged up to $400, probably more depending on the type. The bulbs would be expensive too, but if it helps, it's probably worth it. The light box itself is a one-time investment, and sometimes insurance may cover it if it's prescribed. However, the cautionary note about light boxes that came from the aforementioned book is that too much light can trigger mania. Mania hospitalizations peak in summer, and depression hospitalizations peak in winter. So be careful!

I'd recommend consulting with your pdoc on any of these complementary therapies, just to make sure you've got your bases covered.

[missbelle]

Originally Posted by expressiveone

also any suggestions as far as light therapy? where can you buy the needed bulbs and such? is it expensive?

I forgot the name but the company is in Gaithersburg Maryland...I have a desk lamp I have had for three years. I turn the light on form Oct 1st thru the end of March and I have it on in the morning for about an hour and a half while I am on the computer. It helps with SAD...seasonal affective disorder..I am not sure its help for bi-polar illness. I have yet to replace the bulbs. The company is very good with offering a payment plan..non-interest bearing. I remember I called and found out some info and then heard the prices and thanked them and hung up. They called back with the fact I could pay monthly without interest and gave me some of their opitions. I took the desk lamp..can't remember exactly the price ..maybe around 250.00...they are so good with working with you!! I think its called sunbox company. Oh also they send you the lamp before you are done paying and they do not care about your credit rating!!

I found it on the internet. You can go on-line and look at the web site or call:
Call 1.800.548.3968 or 1.800 LITE YOU
19217 Orbit Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20879
p.s. they also have visors etc...much cheaper and work well. Do go to the web site though..very interesting what they do and who they work with!!!

Good luck;
Hugs;

[dragonfly2]

A word of caution with cod liver oil: it is high in Vitamin A (and not the beta-carotene form), which in high doses can cause liver failure. A better option for Omega-3s would be flaxseed oil. You can also find Omega-3s in many food items like olive oil and walnuts. Just an inside note though, the initial research on Omega-3s was conducted by a pdoc whose wife owned a company who produced Omega-3 supplements. Was the data skewed? My pdoc (a colleague of his) seemed to think so, but this was about 10 years ago, and further studies may have been done since then.

As for light therapy, I use a box that uses blue light technology. It mimics the wavelengths one would get from a clear day with a blue sky. I've had it for six years now, I think, and I like it. It's small and portable and has both a timer and an alarm clock on it. The clock can wake you up with a chime and gradually increasing light, like a sunrise would. I was able to get reimbursement for it through my company's medical flexible spending account. With all the studies done on light therapy now, it may be covered by insurance. Here's a link:

http://www.usa.philips.com/c/light-t...289698/cat/en/

I've also heard of people who have used Sam-e and St. John's Wort for depression. Be careful with St. John's Wort though - it acts like a combination of an SSRI and an MAOI, and the MAOI dietary restrictions apply. I actually tried the SJW many years ago and it raised my blood pressure (what can I say, I love cheese...)

As always, check with your pdoc before trying any natural remedy.

[AniManiac]

Originally Posted by dragonfly2

I've also heard of people who have used Sam-e and St. John's Wort for depression. Be careful with St. John's Wort though - it acts like a combination of an SSRI and an MAOI, and the MAOI dietary restrictions apply. I actually tried the SJW many years ago and it raised my blood pressure (what can I say, I love cheese...)

As always, check with your pdoc before trying any natural remedy.

St. John's Wort is known to have interactions with some medications. Definitely do not try these things without medical supervision!

If you want to go the herbal route, even for just supplements (beyond Omega-3's and vitamins), it's probably best to find a good homeopath or naturopath who can become part of your treatment team. Ideally they should also communicate w/ pdoc, etc.

[kj44]

I was released from the hospital on 1000mg of Fish Oil, and 500MG of Magnesium. So far no problems, The nurses even encouraged it. It's been about 5 weeks.

[venusss]

I use Bach Essences - not just the rescue remedy, but a customized mixture (i wrote about them here http://forums.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=199036). They work quite well. Of course, cannot flatten all the high and lows, but seem to have stabilizing effect. Also, you can chose the remedy by your "symptoms" and than use it in acute phase... asides from having the mixture.

Lemon balm and mint are good for the calming effect (while not being downers, so you can use them all the time). Chamomile is also very good. Hops. Rosemary (and it smells nice!). Lime tree. Majoram. These are just some I use. And of course valerian for sleepy sleeping (I use it in mix with lemon balm, hops, lime tree leaves, mint and chamolile).

Lavander has calming effects, but I prefer that is essential oil. Lavander tea is kinda... gross and I feel as if I was drinking a perfume.

As for depression phase, legumen are a mood food. Boost serotonin levels.

As for suplements, I take St. John's wort, lecitin, omega3, gingo. And drink aruyavedic teas - they have ones for depression and anxiety. Not on any meds.

Yeah, I think that is about it. (and no, I am not any crazy new ager hippie... I swear).