[madhousecomplex]

Is their a natural way to treat bipolar disorder with out medication? I am absolutely not taking medication after learning about the side affects. no way.

I know that meds have given me the chance to change the parts of my life... offering enough relief to do so. Another way to think about it would be to read the warning labels on aspirin. Scary. These are only possible side effects. I have no side effects from the meds. So woo hoo for me and all that, that doesn't exactly help you. Just saying there are two sides to taking the meds.

As far as natural ways, absolutely. Learning the coping skills required to deal with this illness is something a lot of people on these boards have done, but it didn't come from anything external drug or remedy... it all came from coping skills, strength, years of learning, spirituallity, etc...

hope you find your way!

[Darth Bane]

i dont remember if its in part 1 or 2 of above documentary... but it has experience of doc with bipolar who manage it with strict diet and exercise......

[cool09]

Studies have been done that show that people who have a diet high in fish (omega fatty acids) and live closer to the ocean have less incidence of manic-depression. (Sweden, Japan are some of these Countries.)

I have used omega-3 and omega-6 and have exercised my entire life and I can not shake my mixed mania. I'm 48 and been effected since 14, engineering degree, social life has been a complete failure/embarrassment since onset, have held more than a dozen jobs, can not work anymore. Exercise does ease my irritability/agitation for 1-2 hrs afterwards then I go back to fluctuating moods and agitation. I've tried everything. Just speaking from my own experience.

[BlueInanna]

Some of us find Bach Flower Essences highly helpful, Vitamin D, Vitamin B-6 (or all B's), Fish Oils, Fresh Lemon in ice water, Exercise, Yoga, Healthy Diet, Meditation, Therapy, Coping Skills, Support Groups, Sage Smudging, Aromatherapy, Massage. Yes, I believe in these things, still making my way there though.