[ManicMe]

I was diagnosed with bipolar many years ago. I was prescribed meds but I only took them for a short amount of time before I just didn't want to anymore. I didn't like how they made me feel. I was convinced I could do this on my own and there is nothing wrong with me. Boy, it's hard.

Lately its been getting more difficult to even get through my day. I cycle so rapidly that I am sure my husband and kids think I am a total nut job. I feel manic the majority of the time. Sometimes happy manic other times I am spinning out of control with irritability and rage. I only feel really low about once a month. Can I do this without meds? Lately, I feel like I need SOMETHING. My husband doesn't want me on anything. He is worried about side effects and me not being me. Are there any natural/holistic treatments that actually work? I am just so tired of me I could puke.

[Confusedinomicon]

Check out the Icarus project. (Google it)

The members there have a better understanding or natural/holistic treatments which involves lifestyle changes and supplement knowledge. There is also a type of doctor that can help or a pdoc that specializes in holistic treatment. (My pdoc does a lot of holistic stuff)

[ManicMe]

Thanks! I'll check that out. I know I should limit my caffeine intake but I love coffee too much. I am a vegetarian, but I am not opposed to making lifestyle/ diet changes. I am not opposed to taking meds either, it's my husband who would rather that I didn't. He said last time I was on lithium I was like a zombie and I wasn't the same person...I just feel like Im out of control sometimes and I can't take it anymore.

[Confusedinomicon]

If you look for a pdoc, and you can afford it, Id recommend a non-traditional psychiatrist. You could be metabolizing things pretty quickly or be med sensitive. Or something in your nutrition could be off. Getting blood work done can rule out those problems.

-- edit: You don't need a non-traditional psych, just someone who will actually listen to you and your needs.

I take a therapeutic dose of lithium and a little bit of seroquel. If you just need to take the edge off 300-600 mg of lithium could have worked for you...or 250 mg of depakote/low dose of lamictal. Maybe titrating up slowly with low amounts can help. (There are also supplements that can act as low doses of these things) I would only do this under supervision of someone knowledgeable.

[ManicMe]

Honestly, I am not good at going to the Doc. I am not consistent and I know that the first time I go I will be all hypo and act like nothing is wrong. I get really anxious in those situations and I am sure I will not paint an accurate picture of myself. I think it's because I have trouble trusting new people. I think I am also scared that I might be worse than I think and I don't want to hear it. I am not opposed to meds, I just wish I didn't have to go to the Doc to get them, does that make any sense?