[batteries]

So, for the past 8 months I've been in what I can only describe to be bipolar remission. Have any of you had any experience with this type of thing?

8 months ago I tried to od on a cocktail of anxiety and blood pressure medication when I suddenly decided I didn't want to die and admitted myself to the hospital. Thankfully it wasn't too serious, apart from my heart rate being dangerously low. I wasn't placed in inpatient, and was released into family custody for a week. I don't know why, but it's like all of my bipolar and anxiety issues just(mostly) disappeared? I was able to stop therapy(not great, I know, but I was really struggling to afford it), and ween off my meds with no issues.

I'm now the best I can ever remember being, and I know I should count my blessings and not poke at such a good thing. But it makes me both question and realize the realness of my bipolar and I can't imagine it's really gone for good. I've had more than enough triggers this year that should've sent me spiralling, but nothing's happened at all.

I'm just wondering if anyone else out there has ever had something like that happen to them, or if anyone has thoughts on the matter.

[Gabyunbound]

I had 3 years of 'remission' before I started into an episode with trouble sleeping and seeing and hearing things, which was clamped down by an increase in my AP. The difference with you, is that I stayed on my meds all that time.

My old pdoc, when I lived in California and was treated at the Bipolar Clinic at Stanford, told me that she had 'plenty' of patients who had gone some 10 years without an episode. Though, as she didn't mention otherwise, I assume they were on meds.

My go-to is always to say to stay on meds, but if you've been doing well for so long, maybe they aren't necessary for you, or not for the moment.

So remission can happen and I hope you enjoy it!

[MickeyCheeky]

I don't know what it may be, batteries, but at least it's a good thing you're experiencing this! I'd say enjoy it as much as you can. Keep an eye on things, of course, but try not to stress yourself over it. You're doing good, and that's what really matters in the end, right? Sending many hugs to you

[Guiness187055]

I can't really say if I was in remission or not. I always used to self medicated my symptoms away.

[hopeless2015]

I've been stable except for a couple short blips for the last year.

[batteries]

Originally Posted by Gabyunbound

I had 3 years of 'remission' before I started into an episode with trouble sleeping and seeing and hearing things, which was clamped down by an increase in my AP. The difference with you, is that I stayed on my meds all that time.

My old pdoc, when I lived in California and was treated at the Bipolar Clinic at Stanford, told me that she had 'plenty' of patients who had gone some 10 years without an episode. Though, as she didn't mention otherwise, I assume they were on meds.

My go-to is always to say to stay on meds, but if you've been doing well for so long, maybe they aren't necessary for you, or not for the moment.

So remission can happen and I hope you enjoy it!

Thank you!! This was super helpful. I've just been vigilant with watching my moods and being aware of any triggers, and if anything changes I intend to start medication again. I guess I just wanted to know that it's happened to other people.

[wildflowerchild25]

I was in remission from severe bipolar symptoms for about six years in my early twenties, no meds, no therapy. Unfortunately it did return for me but through finding the right meds I’ve heen able to have longer periods of stability. The longest I’ve ever achieved so far is a year and a half. Right now I’m coming up on nine months mostly stable, minus a short depression episode that I just got through. So it is definitely possible. I would just enjoy it while you can! Don’t worry about symptoms returning, if they do you know how to get into treatment again.

[cashart10]

I’ve had up to 8 years of remission. But, then the mania, delusions, hallucinations...all of that really bad junk...hit hard. I will never stop my medicine again. I am sometimes tempted to when I am manic, which I was for the past at least few weeks (but was stable for nearly 2 years—or something like that, prior) but that thinking never lasts because I learned the hard way. There are just some types of bipolar, generally, when accompanied by psychosis, that I believe simply must be treated. And, with the right meds, doc, and therapist if needed, can be well managed.

Originally Posted by batteries

So, for the past 8 months I've been in what I can only describe to be bipolar remission. Have any of you had any experience with this type of thing?
...
I'm just wondering if anyone else out there has ever had something like that happen to them, or if anyone has thoughts on the matter.

There now. Not quitting my meds though. Don't want to tempt fate.

[~Christina]

I wasn’t diagnosed BP until age 43 off and on over the years I was on a AD at times that seemed to make matters worse so I quit them.

There was no info at your fingertips like there is now so I thought everyone had racing minds with ups and downs , huge mood swings.

Age 43 my life imploded. I’ll never forget the day my T said “ I am certain you have BP “ I thought for a couple mins and thought OKKKKKKK that explains everything. Lol

So yes prior diagnosis I went through long stretches fine and even since diagnosed I went Med free for just over a year and did fine.